Sam Allardyce using special motivation tactic to help Leeds United beat Tottenham Hotspur
Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road on Sunday (May 28) is a game that carries a lot of importance for both teams.
But both teams don’t have their fates in their own hands. Spurs are eighth, trailing Aston Villa by one point for the last spot for European football for next season.
The Whites’ situation is way graver. Only a win will do if they want to avoid relegation from the Premier League, and even that wouldn’t matter if Everton win against Bournemouth or if Leicester City match Leeds’ result.
To provide extra motivation, newly-installed manager Sam Allardyce called several Leeds legends to motivate the team ahead of their relegation decider.
The likes of Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister and Eddie Gray spoke to the team at the training ground about their experience at Leeds. Speaking ahead of the game, Allardyce, who was only appointed as Leeds manager on May 3, said, via the Guardian:
“They’ve spoken about how important Leeds is, what it meant to them. A bit more about the history of the football club because they had very successful times here. A different voice talking about football, what they did at this club and how much they love the club is really important.”
“Once they learned who they were and what they’d done, they responded with a great deal of respect. I’ve seen Eddie every other day since I’ve been here. His love for Leeds United, his passion for Leeds United, as well as people like Gary, to hear what it means to them is important.”
It’s certainly a smart tactic from the 68-year-old English tactician, showcasing why he has been able to help several teams retain their Premier League status over the years.
That’s the reason why Leeds United hired him in May… a decision odd because of how late it came in the season. It shows they will give everything they have in this game at Elland Road.
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Given what is at stake for them, and the fact that it is an away game for us, Spurs won’t be favourites going into this game. Losing and avoiding UEFA Europa Conference League may seem like a good deal to some, but for a club without a trophy in 15 years, we can’t pick and choose.
