Sam Allardyce’s takes on his first pre-match press conference as Leeds United head coach this morning. The new head coach has had a couple of days with his Whites squad and he’ll feel ready to take questions from television, radio, print and online journalists at Thorp Arch about his squad and this Saturday’s clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Here is a run-down of some of the main topics on the agenda for the boss to address at the training ground today.
Injuries
Allardyce revealed in his press conference on Wednesday that players had been forced to sit out of his first training session at Thorp Arch and he will be asked to elaborate on those injuries ahead of Saturday’s fixture. He’ll be quizzed on who those missing in midweek were and whether they were in doubt to take on Manchester City at the Etihad.
Read more: Sam Allardyce's first Leeds United selection decisions as he looks to set survival battle tone
It seems likely that one of those names was Liam Cooper, who limped out of the clash with Bournemouth on Sunday with what looked to be a hip injury. The skipper has been in and out of the fold through injury this season and after being forced off the field in such a manner there will be big question marks about his involvement this time around.
There could also be questions about the progress of Tyler Adams and Stuart Dallas, following Javi Gracia’s reluctance to speak about such issues. Dallas was with the squad on Sunday but fans are in the dark about how far he is from selection, while Adams hasn’t featured since before the March international break.
Squad assessment
Allardyce will have already known plenty about the squad he has inherited and he did speak about some players during his opening press conference on Wednesday afternoon. However, he’ll have had slightly more time to run the rule over his men and get to know individuals by the time he sits down in front of the press this morning.
He may well be asked if anyone has caught his eye and whether he has seen a response from his side so far. The head coach may also be face questions on the system fans can expect to see him deploy this time around.
Supporters will know how Allardyce has played his football in the past, but could there be any slight alterations?
The goalkeeper question
The head coach has a number of selection decisions to make this weekend but one of the biggest seems to come between the sticks. Illan Meslier has underperformed for some time now and with Joel Robles pushing for selection the 68-year-old must make a call one way or the other regarding his goalkeeper.
Allardyce knows Robles from their time at Everton together and he represents the experienced option should he wish to go in that direction. Meslier is the promising prospect, though, and there’s no denying the ability he possesses when he’s firing on all cylinders.
There’s choices to make across the park, but the goalkeeper decision certainly intrigues most.
Pressure
Leeds clearly haven’t handled the pressure of the relegation battle well and over the last few weeks there has been a distinct shortage of character, leadership on guidance on the field. The Whites have been caught wilting in the face of adversity all too often and that will certainly have to change if they are to pick up the points they need over the next month.
There’s no instant fix but reporters will be keen to hear more on Big Sam’s plans to mentally help his side through this challenge and bring a bit more personality out.
The Man City challenge
It’s fair to say Allardyce doesn’t have the best record against Pep Guardiola. The two managers have met four times over the years with the Catalan coming out on top on every occasion with an aggregate score of 16-1.
You’ll struggle to find anyone giving Leeds a chance of pushing City close this weekend, particularly given the imperious form they find themselves in, but Allardyce has to somehow make his side believe that picking up points at the Etihad is not impossible. He’ll be asked about that by reporters, who will also be keen to hear if he believes he sees a chink in the league leaders’ armour.
READ NEXT:
Bielsa, Augustin, wasted flights and Leeds United's open goal Victor Orta may always regret
Sam Allardyce lays out his Leeds United defensive blueprint to halt record-breaking slide
Sam Allardyce told he can't replicate Roy Hodgson Crystal Palace effect at Leeds United
Sam Allardyce's Patrick Bamford expectations as Leeds United chief pinpoints key role
Leeds United midfielder becomes first player to break silence on Victor Orta exit
