SAM ALLARDYCE: IT'S A GREAT FOOTBALL CLUB - Leedsunited.com 11/5/23
Leeds United are taking on Newcastle United at Elland Road on Saturday lunchtime (12:30), in their penultimate Premier League home match of the season.
Sam Allardyce will take charge of the Whites for the first
time on home turf, after being appointed as head coach last week.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s match against high-flying
Newcastle, Allardyce gave his thoughts to the media.
He said: “They've got some talented players in the front
three and have more to come on, and a big goalscorer in Callum Wilson, which we
have to manage. At the other end, you can get in behind and you can get down
the side of Newcastle if you can break through midfield.
“So it depends on our quality, then when we get to the final
third and what we decide to do with that final ball. If we don't get the ball
right, we won't create as many chances as we would like, to put Newcastle under
pressure. I'd like us to score the first goal if possible. That’s very
important for us on Saturday. Getting the first goal would be a big lift.”
The Leeds United head coach was then asked about what it
would feel like for him, stepping into the home dugout for the first time at
Elland Road.
“I loved playing here as the away team, I loved the
atmosphere,” Allardyce stated. “I came as a manager and it was the same. The
historical nature of the club and yes, it might be an old stadium, but it’s
Elland Road and what it stands for. It’s
a great football club.”