Illan Meslier rages with Sam Allardyce after what he did to him in 2-1 Leeds United loss v Manchester City today
Leeds United boss Sam Allardyce revealed that goalkeeper Illan Meslier was not happy with his decision to drop him in their 2-1 loss to Manchester City on Saturday [6 May].
The Whites began their four-game tenure under Sam Allardyce in disappointing fashion following his official appointment on Wednesday [4 May].
Two goals from Ilkay Gundogan deepened Leeds United’s relegation fears despite Rodrigo’s late consolation, currently sitting level with 18th-paced Nottingham Forest only separated by goal difference.
And before the game, Allardyce made the expected bold call by dropping Meslier for the game, but in a tweet provided by Phil Hay [6 May] revealing his comments, the former Blackburn and Bolton boss revealed Meslier’s reaction to his decision.
Hay tweeted: “How did Meliser react: ‘Not very happy. I didn’t expect him to be very happy. But with what we’d watched, I think the rest will do him good’.”
Right call
The one positive Allardyce can take from their defeat to a rampant City side was that they were able to keep the scoreline down to just 2-1, considering the number of chances their opponents missed.
And considering the saves made by Robles in the Leeds United goal, it seems as if Allardyce made the right call dropping Meslier, as his mistakes became too costly for the club to deal with, especially given their difficult position in the league table.
Erling Haaland certainly had an off day on Saturday, and on another day could well have scored a hat-trick but for some uncharacteristic finishing and Robles saves which will have given the Leeds United players some relief.
The Whites weren’t expected to get anything in Manchester but when you’re down at the bottom facing such difficult circumstances, every point is crucial. And having a mistake-prone goalkeeper in goal, those chances become impossible.
Allardyce is known for making big calls when faced with difficult circumstances and the decision to hand Meslier some sort of rest could certainly prove a masterstroke not only for Leeds United but for the Frenchman in the long run. He’ll thank him in a couple of years.
In other Leeds news, Angus Kinnear has convinced another coach to join the club after a 9am phone call.