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.
