Sam Allardyce hopes the ‘fear’ of relegation can drive Leeds on in their search for Premier League survival.
Leeds are without a win in six Premier League games and have dropped into the division’s relegation places, with Allardyce’s side two points from safety with just three games remaining.
Leeds take on Newcastle at Elland Road this weekend, the latest fixture in a difficult run-in for the struggling side. Allardyce has taken encouragement from his first fixture in charge however, insisting Leeds showed ‘determination’ during a 2-1 defeat at Manchester City last weekend.
“I saw fight, determination and the ability to improve our performance overall [in the second half at Manchester City] compared to what they produced in the first 45 minutes,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“Considering how many we have been conceding, I thought keeping Manchester City down to two in the end was not too bad.
“We scored a goal and with a bit of work on attacking and defending with the players this week, hopefully that improves their level of performance to get to a higher standard than on Saturday against a Newcastle side that play in a completely different way to Manchester City.
“So we have to work out how to defend against their strengths and try to exploit their weaknesses.”
Allardyce called on his side to show ‘good mental resilience’ against Champions League chasing Newcastle and hopes the fear of losing their top-flight status can bring fight to Leeds.
“What I am hoping for is good mental resilience that allows them to perform at their highest quality. The fear needs to drive them on. The fear of relegation, the fear of losing their Premier League status, which should make them hopefully fight, and fight hard for their status and their position at Leeds United. But I am very pleased with the attitude of the players.”
