Richard Keys Thinks Pep Guardiola Should Hire Sam Allardyce

Pep Guardiola's defensive problems could all be sorted by Sam Allardyce, according to beIN Sport presenter Richard Keys.

Defending has never been the strong part of any Guardiola side, with the manager generally choosing to focus on keeping the ball and scoring goals.

Things looked particularly bad last week for Manchester City as Leicester City scored five past them in the Premier League and, though the result was better, there were still questions this weekend.

On Saturday, City drew 1-1 with Leeds United in a pulsating draw where both sides abandoned defending for much of the second half. Even the addition of new boy Ruben Dias didn't work and Keys, talking to his mate Andy Gray, thinks it's an addition in the backroom staff that would help.

Allardyce has been out of work since he left Everton at the end of the 2017/18 season. He managed just 26 games at Goodison Park and only had a 38.5% win record with the Toffees.

His time in Merseyside saw his side concede four goals against Spurs, five against Arsenal, three against Manchester City and three against former side West Ham United.

The former England boss, who managed his country for only one match, also lost to Bournemouth, Watford and Burnley. Not exactly the most stelling advert for his ability as a defensive coach for City.

Dias making his debut against Leeds. Image: PA Images

Guardiola has spent a lot of money on defenders, with Nathan Ake joining for £40 million this summer as well as Dias' £51 million move, which also saw Nicolas Otamendi move to Benfica.

Last season defensive issues had a lot to do with Aymeric Laporte being injured for much of the season, as well as the inability to replace Vincent Kompany.

The club failed to sign Harry Maguire, to replace Kompany and were left with Otamendi, John Stones, youngster Eric Garcia and midfielder Fernandinho to play in defence.

Sure City and Guardiola need to do something if they're to challenge Liverpool this season but it's unlikely that Big Sam is going to be the answer.

Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Leicester City, Pep Guardiola, Premier League, Leeds United, Sam Allardyce

Ryan Sidle

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