Sam Allardyce has told his No Tippy Tappy Football podcast that he would have done a better job at Leeds United than boss Javi Gracia – with the Spaniard watching his Leeds side lose three of the last four, conceding 16 times.
Gracia came in and made a wonderful start. His first game, a crucial clash against Southampton – and Leeds won 1-0, Junior Firpo scoring. Defeat in the FA Cup to Fulham was disappointing but again, there were positives in the loss.
Next up was a trip to Chelsea, a 1-0 loss, but again, positives. A good 2-2 draw with Brighton, and then a superb 4-2 win away at Wolves set Leeds up before the international break. Seven points from a possible 12, a great return.
But since the break, things have not gone to plan. Of course, a loss at The Emirates was expected and it came – a 4-1 loss. Three points at home to Forest was important, and Gracia got it. But the last two games have been woeful.
Going into the Palace game, Gracia had 10 points from a possible 18 – superb. Patrick Bamford’s goal gave Leeds hope of four wins from seven – but it ended up being a 5-1 loss. Following by Liverpool’s 6-1. Gracia’s work undone.
Allardyce says he would have done a better job at Leeds than Gracia
A wonderful start – as good as Leeds could have hoped for – has been undone by two dismal performances. It must be said that if Leeds had drawn against Palace, and lost narrowly to Liverpool – things would be a lot happier.
But, Gracia has watched his side concede 11 goals and confidence will be at an all-time low – despite a wonderful start to life at Leeds. Pundits, fans have criticised us. Now, the inevitable. Allardyce claims he would do a better job.
“Absolutely,” Allardyce said, when asked if he would have done a better job than Gracia at Leeds. “I’d have had no problem looking at the Leeds situation. I have certain ways of working and one way is stopping goals from going in.
“The players are suffering from a lack of confidence. It doesn’t matter how good you are as a coach, unless you put those results right, and it starts with a 0-0, confidence is built,” Allardyce continued, speaking on his podcast.
