Sam Allardyce admits he took a leaf out of Sir Alex Ferguson's playbook by comparing himself to Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp at his Leeds United unveiling. The former England boss created headlines after almost two years out of management when he insisted he was 'up there' with the managers of both Liverpool and Manchester City.
Allardyce was called upon as a survival specialist to replace Javi Gracia in the Elland Road dugout with just four matches remaining. Leeds have picked up a point from encounters with Manchester City and Newcastle United, and could be relegated with a defeat at West Ham on Sunday.
Following days of speculation, Allardyce was appointed on May 3 and took his first media conference as the interim United boss. The 68-year-old admits he always intended to make the comparison to Guardiola and Klopp to act as a 'diversion' to the team's struggles amid a five-match losing run.
READ MORE: Sam Allardyce's doomsday scenario team talk with Leeds United's fate out of their hands
Allardyce told the Times: “That’s about taking the pressure off the players and putting all the focus on yourself. The master taught me that; Fergie [Sir Alex Ferguson].
"He said you create a diversion, a stir; say something to the press to take the attention away from players who are being criticised all the time. I went in there intending to say that. And, hey, I never said I was better than them.”
READ NEXT
Leeds United line-ups vs West Ham as Bamford, McKennie and Greenwood are dropped
- Sam Allardyce faced with Leeds United dilemma on Marcelo Bielsa's final flourish vs West Ham
Leeds United can be optimistic about future regardless of Premier League survival
Every word Sam Allardyce said on Bamford, Leeds United frustrations, injuries, Rutter, West Ham
Sam Allardyce's stern words behind the scenes in battle to change damaging Leeds United habit
