No regrets over axing his keeper
SAM ALLARDYCE hailed Leeds fighting spirit in the defeat at Manchester City – and defended his decision to axe number one keeper Ilan Meslier.
Stand-in keeper Joel Robles couldn’t prevent defeat but he made a superb late penalty save to deny a hat-trick for Ilkay Gundogan seconds before substitute Rodrigo pulled a goal back.
It was too little too late but Allardyce had no regrets over Meslier.
“Yes, it was a massive call,” he said. “One of the worst things you need to do as a manager in a new job is take your goalkeeper out if he is the number one.
“But unfortunately, after recent performances, his confidence isn’t great and it is better for him and then better for me.
“He was not very happy but I didn’t expect him to be but you have to make a decision.
“I know how brilliant he can be so I think the rest will do him a power of good and hopefully when he’s called up again he’ll be ready.”
After a first half on the back foot Allardyce ordered his side up the pitch at the break and was happier with the next 45 minutes.
“After the half-time you were probably thinking, ‘How many is it going to be second half?’” he said.
“When we stopped giving City the ball we grew in confidence and at the end City showed a few nerves and kept the ball in the corner which you don’t often see.”
With Newcastle up next
Allardyce believes his players can gain confidence from their second half display.
“I am not upbeat because we got no points but I’m pleased with what they did second half, not embarrassing themselves and showing some fighting spirit.
“We can build the confidence next week and play better for 90 minutes, not just 45.”
Allardyce and his Leeds stars walked over to acknowledge the support of the fans at the end – and Big Sam reckons their support will be crucial.
“We have to keep the fans on board. We haven’t given them a result today but by their response to the players they showed they’d seen fight and spirit.”