Smiles on faces might prove as potent as a 25-goal striker given the time Sam Allardyce has to save Leeds United from the sorry state they find themselves in. There will be limits on how much the former England boss can achieve on the pitch in 25 days, making this a psychological job as much as a tactical one.
Allardyce’s relaxed, conversational manner has already come across in his opening press conferences. In stark contrast to the more reserved, professional manner of Marcelo Bielsa or Javi Gracia, United’s players are finding an open-door policy at Thorp Arch.
On more than one occasion during Friday’s pre-match briefing, Allardyce referenced the importance of the two-way communication he is trying to encourage. Already, the feedback he has had from the players on what they want to see has directly informed Saturday’s plan.
READ MORE: Leeds United line-ups vs Man City as Meslier, Kristensen, Roca and McKennie are axed
“In terms of response, I couldn't be any more pleased about the fact the players have aired their views, which is very important for me, about how to go forward,” he said. “We've come together and put a plan together to start as quickly as possible with the couple of days we've had to only talk about Manchester City and the big task we do have in front of us.
“Then we've gone on to the training ground and into this room to analyse the best way we can to play on Saturday. Around that we've been listening to a lot of the staff that's already here, about what the player can and cannot do and what is his best position and how best does he play and in what system does he play the best?
“So we've done all that and formulated an idea. We’ll tell them the starting XI this morning when they finally finish a bit of analysis when we've got rid of you lot because they'll come in here and we'll finish off.
“We’ll be on the pitch to do the final bits and pieces and then they can get off and we can get to Manchester.”
Robbie Keane, who Allardyce has already found trouble in shutting up, seems to have become the chief morale officer among the players. At 26 years Allardyce’s junior and only five years retired, the former Leeds striker has been at the heart of training.
“I can smile and ask the players to try and come in and put a smile back on their face and try and lighten the training somewhat,” said Allardyce. “All the staff, nothing better than Robbie Keane for that, by the way.
“So he's got in among the players, he's joined in, he’s done a bit of coaching with them and we’ve got Karl [Robinson] who's the same. We've created a bit of an atmosphere we like to create and how we like to work on the fact that the training ground is a nice place to come.”
It’s about much more than just football too. Allardyce preaches a healthy balance in players’ lives. He does not want them at the training ground for six hours a day, six days a week.
The new Leeds boss wants them switching off and that includes when they’re shooting the breeze with their new manager.
“I’ve tried to make everybody feel better,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of conversations with lads who come in the office, lads who want a chat in the office and [I’ve had] lots of conversations on the training ground.
“Nothing to do with football or coaching, just life in general. Just to see and find out the personality and try and have a little more light-hearted conversation here and there. Finding out more about them gives you gives you a better understanding of everybody.”
READ NEXT:
Leeds United boss Sam Allardyce claims he could challenge for treble with Man City
Sam Allardyce's plan to stop Man City's Erling Haaland and message to Leeds United defenders
Pep Guardiola makes Kalvin Phillips admission ahead of Man City vs Leeds United
Leeds United injury latest as Sam Allardyce rules out four Whites stars for Man City clash
Man City vs Leeds United - Pick your starting XI for vital Premier League clash
