Sam Allardyce slapped his Leeds players after they squandered a free-kick chance in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday.
It was a frustrating return to the dugout for the Englishman who was appointed as the new manager of the relegation-threatened side after Javi Gracia was sacked last week.
Ilkay Gundogan scored a stunning duo of goals to give Pep Guardiola’s side a 2-0 lead after 27 minutes, with Riyad Mahrez continuing his superb form this season to knock off the German on both occasions.
But Allardyce appeared furious with his team, as referee Andy Madley awarded Leeds a free-kick halfway through, allowing them to put some pressure on Man City just before half-time.
Much to the manager’s frustration, the free-kick was wasted, with the ball sailing over City’s back-line far too long before going out for a goal kick.
Sky Sports cameras then cut to Allardyce on the touchline looking livid and was seen uttering the words ‘what a ****** waste’.
Sam Allardyce returned to the dugout as Leeds succumbed to a 2–1 defeat to Manchester City
Allardyce was seen berating his team after they wasted a free kick before half time
Ilkay Gundogan scored twice in the first half to give City a comfortable lead at half time
Guardiola, meanwhile, was also furious with his players after Gundogan failed to convert a penalty in the second half.
The City boss raised his arms to the touchline and appeared furious with his star striker Erling Haaland, after he decided to give the penalty to his German team-mate – perhaps in a show of kindness to give him a chance to score his hat-trick.
But the Spaniard did not approve of the decision and was seen venting his frustrations on the sidelines as he shouted to Haaland: ‘No, you have to take it. You must take it.’
The Norwegian had also failed to convert several chances in the run-up to the penalty decision, testing Joel Robles into the Leeds net after the break, before hitting the post soon after.
And Guardiola looked even more annoyed with his players as he sank deep into his seat in the dugout after Rodrigo scored a goal for Leeds with six minutes to play, taking advantage of poor defense at the back of the home side
At 2-1 it was a very nervous finish for Man City, with Leeds finding some energy late in the game, mounting several attacks on the home side, but ultimately failing to reduce the deficit again.
Pep Guardiola (pictured) also raged at his side when Erling Haaland let Gundogan take a penalty
He was overheard shouting to Haaland, “No, you have to take it.” You have to take it.
Before the match, Allardyce was seen on Sky Sports coverage walking out of the tunnel, before soaking up the atmosphere around the ground. He was also heard to say, “Here we go again.”
He has now held coaching positions with 14 national teams in England and Ireland and today marked his return to the touchline after leaving West Brom in 2021.
And it’s been a busy week for the 68-year-old, whose side are joint on points with Nottingham Forest in 17th place, but only escape the relegation zone due to their goal difference.
After the match, Allardyce was asked if his side could leave the Etihad with high hopes after their performance.
“A lot of hope yes,” he told Sky Sports after the game. “We talked about it at half-time in the dressing room, of course we only had a few days left, but we tried to give the players some direction.
“Unfortunately it can be a bit acceptable for them at the moment given what has happened and they are playing Manchester City. But our execution and passing were not of the quality we needed to threaten Man City.
He was overheard shouting to Haaland, “No, you have to take it.” You have to take it.
The Norwegian also missed several chances and hit the woodwork in the second half
Rodrigo got one back for Leeds with six minutes remaining, meaning a nervous finish for City
Allardyce (left) has been absent from the sidelines since he left West Brom in 2020
“That’s why it just became a constant defensive battle against one of the best teams that can break down eleven behind the ball – and that, of course, is the quality of their players all over the pitch.”
He said of the second half: “We stuck to the game plan better and executed our possession better. a little bit better.
“In the end we scored a very good goal. But the most annoying thing for me was that we gave away a stupid penalty kick.’
Leeds now have three games to play against Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham before the season ends on May 28.
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