A look at the latest Leeds United headlines this morning on Tuesday, May 23.
Dean Smith fires Everton and Leeds United final day warning
Leicester City boss Dean Smith insists the pressure is on Everton on the final day of the season with both Leeds United and Leicester City hot on their tails. The Foxes picked up a surprise 0-0 draw with Newcastle United to move above the Whites in the table as their hosts secured Champions League Football.
“We hope we can get to the King Power and fortunes go our way," Smith said post-match. "We’ve made Everton have to win if we win ourselves.
READ MORE: Luke Ayling offers up insight into dark Leeds United dressing room mood
"That performance (against Newcastle) was what supporters deserved with all the travelling they’ve done this season, and it was a clean sheet they deserved.
“I think we have (put pressure on Everton). If they draw and we win we stay up. I did say it might be down to goal difference.
“We have got a tough game against West Ham who have just qualified for a European final. Their manager is a good friend of mine, David Moyes, he’s someone I have a lot of respect for and he will make it a really tough game for us.”
Penny drops for Andrea Radrizzani as Leeds United plight reaches critical juncture
The timing of Andrea Radrizzani’s appearance in Italy was unfortunate, to say the least. Less than 24 hours after watching his Leeds United side take another huge step towards Premier League relegation against West Ham United, Radrizzani was speaking to reporters at Sampdoria’s training ground.
The Italian is playing a leading role in Gestio Capital’s attempted purchase of the already relegated Serie A outfit and he could be heard expressing his optimism that the deal will go through sooner rather than later. It’s a move that has seen him attract plenty of criticism from Leeds fans on social media, with the manner of Sunday’s defeat at the London Stadium still fresh in their minds.
But, it also seems to be the clearest indication yet that the chairman’s time at Elland Road is coming to an end. The ownership situation at Leeds has been up in the air for some time now amid the proposed takeover from 49ers Enterprises.
'Harsh' to judge Sam Allardyce on Leeds United 'fiasco' if they are relegated, says ex-West Ham star
Sam Allardyce should not be judged on whether he saves Leeds United from relegation, according to ex-West Ham skipper Nigel Reo-Coker. Allardyce took over at Elland Road with just four games of the Premier League campaign remaining after former boss Javi Gracia was sacked with the club outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.
But Leeds have picked up just one point from three games under Allardyce, meaning they will go into the final day two points adrift of safety and with their fate out of their hands in their three-way relegation tussle with Leicester City and Everton. Allardyce has for years been the go-to man for clubs fearing relegation, and he has kept Sunderland, Crystal Palace, and Everton in the top flight.
He could not steer West Brom clear of the drop in his last managerial job, however, and with Leeds' 3-1 defeat at West Ham yesterday leaving them staring down the barrel, that has led some to ask whether Allardyce's reputation as a survival specialist in now on the line. But given the fact that he took the Leeds job so close to the end of the season, Reo-Coker says it would be 'harsh' to judge Allardyce on the 'fiasco' at Elland Road, and instead pointed the finger at those in the club's hierarchy who make the decisions after they sacked Jesse Marsch in February and then Gracia after only 12 games.
Dion Dublin raises Leeds United question marks over Sam Allardyce's appointment
Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin says the jury is out regarding whether Sam Allardyce was the right man to steer Leeds United to safety. The current Whites boss has picked up a point from his three games in charge and they're staring relegation in the face.
A trip to Manchester City in his opening game in charge, followed up by Champions League-chasing Newcastle at Elland Road hardly presented Allardyce with much of an opportunity. However, the 3-1 defeat to West Ham United was a disappointing display which has left the Whites needing a miracle on the final day of the season.
Leeds host Tottenham Hotspur knowing anything less than a win would mean Championship football next season, while they also need a favour from elsewhere. Both Allardyce and Luke Ayling delivered a damning verdict following the defeat to the Hammers.
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