Sam Allardyce has informed his Leeds United gamers they can not afford to lose in opposition to Newcastle United on Saturday.
Leeds are nineteenth within the Premier League on 30 factors, two factors from security with three matches left to play and Allardyce, who misplaced his first match as head coach in opposition to Manchester Metropolis final weekend, sees the sport in opposition to Newcastle as essential to their survival probabilities.
“I’ve stated to the gamers and I’ll say it now, once we come off the sector on Saturday, we will’t afford to lose. We should get one thing,” the 68-year-old stated in his pre-match press convention on Friday.
“We gained’t keep up with 30 factors. No one’s ever going to try this. We’ve bought 9 factors to go for, we all know if we get 9 factors, which is a large ask, we’ll keep up. If we get six we’d do. I’ve to say this at this second in time – I wish to be nonetheless in it once we play Tottenham (on the final day of the season). That’s what I need. I’ll be very glad if once we play Tottenham we’re nonetheless in it.”
Allardyce has additionally made clear the significance of taking the lead in opposition to Newcastle and to keep away from defensive collapses — Leeds conceded 23 targets through the month of April earlier than Javi Gracia was dismissed.
“I’d like to attain the primary aim if doable. That’s essential for us on Saturday. Getting the primary aim could be an enormous elevate.
“It could assist us win the sport, I’m not saying we’d win the sport, however going a aim down could be a really troublesome job I believe mentally for the gamers to come back again from. If that’s the case, they’ll need to try to do it — however not go daft like they’ve finished earlier than, depart the again door open and concede two, three or 4 once more.”
Allardyce additionally stated gave an damage replace on midfielder Tyler Adams. When requested his the USMNT midfielder would play once more this season, Allardyce stated: “Not that I consider, sadly.”
Adams was pressured to endure surgical procedure on a hamstring damage in March. The 24-year-old broken a muscle throughout a coaching session forward of Leeds’ 4-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on March 18 and was pressured to tug out of worldwide obligation with the USMNT, remaining in England the place he went below the knife.
Leeds face Newcastle on Saturday earlier than their closing two video games of the season in opposition to West Ham United (away) on Could 21 and at house to Tottenham on Could 28.
(High picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Pictures)