Sam Allardyce has uncovered his ‘better than Pep Guardiola’ comment after being appointed by Leeds United was motivated by Sir Alex Ferguson.

After being appointed by Leeds last week, Allardyce hit the headlines following his first press conference when he claimed there was ‘nobody better’ than him in modern management – and namechecked Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta. “I am not saying I am better than them, but I am as good as them,” said the veteran manager, who has now clarified the comment and admitted it was a piece of misdirection inspired by his old managerial rival and friend, United legend Sir Alex.

 “You had a big enough headline off me last week, you’re not going to get anymore,” Allardyce said in this week’s press conference, rebutting a journalist’s question. “By the way, all those who criticised me about that sounded a bit thick didn’t they? When all I was doing was diverting off the players onto myself, which was a great tactic I picked up off [Sir] Alex Ferguson . There was no pressure on the players because I took it all, I took all the stick – ‘oh look at him, listen to him’ – but there’s none of that this week, it’s all focussing on Newcastle and trying to get the three points that we need.”

🗣️ "You had a big enough headline off me last week, you're not going to get anymore." 📰❌

Sam Allardyce says he learned a great tactic from Sir Alex Ferguson with his answers last week 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZBugs0HqTz

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 11, 2023

Allardyce was beaten 2-1 by Guardiola’s Manchester City in his first game in charge of Leeds after replacing Javi Gracia in the final four games of the season. He will now face former club Newcastle on Saturday in a game that the relegation-threatened Whites cannot afford to lose.

After the match against Newcastle, Leeds’ final two matches of the season are against West Ham (away) and Tottenham (at home). Elland Road Club is currently 19th in the rankings with 30 points, two points behind the safety group.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on ‘You sounded a bit thick!’ – Allardyce explains ‘better than Pep’ quip.

Leeds United have announced that Sam Allardyce will take over as manager immediately, succeeding Javi Gracia.

With only four games left, the Whites are presently barely out of the Premier League relegation zone on goal differential.

After Jesse Marsch was fired, Gracia was brought in to calm the ship. However, the Spaniard only managed to win three of his twelve matches at Elland Road, and he has since been sacked.

Mp3bullet reported on Tuesday that Leeds would sack director of football Victor Orta – which was confirmed later in the day – while Allardyce would take the head coach gig.

Allardyce, who has been unemployed since leaving West Brom in 2021 after failing to save them from the bottom, has now been named as the manager Leeds would be bringing in to help them fight relegation.

A club statement on the news reads: “Leeds United can confirm Javi Gracia will leave the club after 12 games in charge. Zigor Aranalde, Mikel Antia and Juan Solla, who joined alongside Gracia, will also leave the club.

“We thank Javi and his team for their efforts under difficult circumstances.

“The remaining four games of the season will be overseen by experienced head coach Sam Allardyce. Allardyce will be assisted by former MK Dons, Charlton Athletic and Oxford United manager Karl Robinson.

“His first game in charge of the Whites will be Saturday’s Premier League away trip at Manchester City.”

📰 #LUFC can confirm Javi Gracia will leave the club, with our remaining four games overseen by experienced head coach Sam Allardyce. We thank Javi and his team for their efforts under difficult circumstances.

— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 3, 2023

Since their last victory against 18th-placed Nottingham Forest at the beginning of April, Leeds has gone five games without a victory, and their future is in their own hands.

On May 6, Allardyce’s new Leeds team will play title-hunting Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

The Whites will play high-flying Newcastle at Elland Road the following week before a crucial game against fellow underachievers West Ham at London Stadium.

On the last day of the season, Leeds hosts Tottenham.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Leeds United appoint Sam Allardyce as Javi Gracia sacked.

According to reports, Sam Allardyce has accepted to become Leeds United manager as the team frantically tries to avoid relegation.

The Whites have been playing poorly for a while, and the firing of Jesse Marsch in favor of Javi Gracia in February hasn’t made things any better.

In response to a decision to sack the former Watford manager after just 12 games in charge, on Monday stated that Leeds were debating Gracia’s future with the team.

After almost six years as director of football, Victor Orta is also departing Elland Road, and Leeds have now turned to Allardyce in an effort to maintain their Premier League position.

The 68-year-old’s final managerial position came at West Bromwich Albion during the close of the 2020–21 campaign, when Allardyce was charged with attempting to maintain the Baggies in the top division.

Allardyce had the ability to turn around underperforming teams and organize defenses that were giving up too many goals, but ultimately he was unable to do so.

That’s something that has been a huge concern in recent weeks at Leeds. The Whites have been drubbed 6-1 by Liverpool, 5-1 by Crystal Palace and 4-1 by Bournemouth and Arsenal under the watch of Gracia, who sources have confirmed lost the confidence of players.

Despite all odds, Allardyce famously kept Sunderland in the Premier League during the 2015–16 season. His tenures at Crystal Palace and Everton also resulted in Premier League safety.

Earlier in his career, Allardyce oversaw the transformation of Bolton Wanderers from Premier League underachievers to UEFA Cup contenders. He has also held managerial positions at Blackburn, Newcastle, and West Ham.

England also made an appearance in July 2016, although his tenure as manager of the national team was abruptly ended due to a sting operation.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Sam Allardyce set to become new Leeds manager.

Leeds United have confirmed that Javi Gracia has been appointed as their new head coach. The Whites have been seeking a replacement for Jesse Marsch after a poor season that has led them back into another relegation battle.

Prior to announcing on Tuesday that Gracia will become Leeds‘ next manager, reports on Monday that Gracia and former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez were both on Leeds’ radar.

And on Tuesday afternoon, Leeds confirmed the arrival of Gracia.

RELATED:

• Alejandro Garnacho set to sign new contract with Manchester United
• Leeds United confirm early decision on managerial vacancy
• Antonio Conte expected return date disclosed

A statement read: “Leeds United are delighted to announce the club have agreed terms with Javi Gracia to become men’s first team head coach, subject to obtaining a work permit.

“The experienced 52-year-old has agreed a flexible contract at Elland Road.”

Leeds are now 19th in the Premier League standings and two points from safety when new manager Gracia takes over.

His first game comes against relegation rivals Southampton, the only team beneath Leeds in the table, on Saturday afternoon.

📰 #LUFC is delighted to announce the club have agreed terms with Javi Gracia to become head coach, subject to obtaining a work permit

— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 21, 2023

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Leeds United announce appointment of Javi Gracia as head coach.