Martin O'Neill says the match against Newcastle United is a 'must-win' fixture for Leeds United, as he delivered his verdict on Big Sam. The now 71-year-old, who was last in the dugout at Nottingham Forest in 2019, is no stranger to the Elland Road boss having come up against him in his managerial career.
Like Allardyce, O'Neill has managed at international level when he had a spell with the Republic of Ireland and the two have crossed footballing paths before.
Wins for Nottingham Forest and Everton yesterday dumped Leeds into the bottom three and they are now 19th with just three games remaining and two points from safety.
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They welcome Newcastle United to Elland Road on Saturday, with Eddie Howe's men chasing a Champions League finish.
O'Neill can see why Leeds United turned to the former England manager and fire-fighter but says only three points will do now.
"Obviously, Leeds have been looking at the number of goals they have been shipping and decided to make their move with four games left," he told Sky Sports. "Big Sam stepped in.
"It's nice that he has plenty of self-confidence about himself, one thing Sam never lacked. I wish I had it.
"He doesn't lack it when he's comparing himself with Guardiola, that's perhaps in a parallel universe, but listen, don't get me wrong Sam's been a great manager, a really, really fine manager.
"First game we all thought this was a free hit and in many aspects, they have come out of that really unscathed in many ways because they [Man City] could have been out of sight. Haaland has missed three goals, they have missed a penalty.
"The goal difference could be vital at the end of the season and that was really good news.
"That game has gone, he's parked it and had a few days to work with his side, whatever tactics we thought they would have I think have to change now they are at home.
"It's a big, big task against Newcastle United but it's a game they have to win. They really have to win."
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