Jamie Carragher objects to suggestion after what Sam Allardyce said as new Leeds United manager
Jamie Carragher has objected to the suggestion that new Leeds United boss Sam Allardyce is on a par with the likes of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp.
In his first news conference as Leeds boss, Allardyce claimed that he is “up there” with the likes of Guardiola, Klopp and Mikel Arteta in terms of depth and knowledge, as quoted by BBC Sport.
Allardyce has taken over from Javi Gracia in the Leeds dugout as the Whites aim to secure Premier League safety.
“With respect, if Allardyce was in charge of the current Manchester City or Liverpool squad, there isn’t a chance they would be playing the possession or ‘gegenpressing’ game that has brought their respective coaches every honour,” Carragher wrote for The Telegraph.
“They would still have the traits of every Allardyce team. Fair enough, too. I’m a massive believer that football is enhanced by different styles. It would be boring if every coach wanted to play like Guardiola or Klopp. What I object to is the suggestion that these great managers are not truly worthy of their place above their peers, as if their success is more a consequence of opportunity than talent.
“Guardiola and Klopp are genuine game-changers. The levels of coordination between all 11 players (including the goalkeeper) in Guardiola’s Barcelona and Manchester City team are of another level. Nobody was playing like this 20 years ago, let alone in the Seventies and Eighties. Why pretend or argue otherwise?”
More bold claims incoming
This claim from Allardyce is certain to be the first of many, with the iconic manager set to make up for lost time in the dugout with plenty of bold shouts.
Guardiola and Klopp will undoubtedly go down as Premier League managerial legends for their successful feats on the side of the pitch, but the same cannot be said of Allardyce.
The boss could, however, argue that he warrants an important place in the annals of the competition due to his previous relegation miracles.
It’s hard not to like Big Sam due to his interesting approaches both on and off the pitch, but all Leeds fans will care about is the manager getting to action and picking up some much-needed points in the coming weeks.
It is sure to be an intriguing watch in his first match in charge, with the Whites travelling to the Etihad to take on Manchester City on Saturday (8 May), giving Big Sam the chance to prove that he is indeed Guardiola’s equal.
In other Leeds United news, one Whites ace is reportedly already considering his future at the club after the arrival of Allardyce.