Richard Keys And Andy Gray Call For Leeds United To Appoint Sam Allardyce After Marcelo Bielsa Sacking

Richard Keys and Andy Gray are calling for Leeds United to get on the phone to Sam Allardyce after sacking Marcelo Bielsa.

The Elland Road outfit have parted company with the Argentine after a fifth defeat in six games against Spurs in Saturday's early kick-off.

The 4-0 defeat leaves Leeds in 16th place in the Premier League and just two points above the relegation zone.

Bielsa's open and chaotic style received plaudits aplenty last term as he guided the Yorkshire side to an 8th place finish in their first season back in the big time.

But this term they've conceded a staggering 60 goals in 26 league games, which is the worst in the division.

Former RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg manager Jesse Marsch is the favourite for the vacancy.

But former Sky Sports pair Keys and Gray are unsurprisingly advocating for the experience Allardyce to come in and steady the ship.

Speaking on beIN Sports, Gray said: "I'm confused by the appointment. I know it's been touted.

"I think you appoint someone called Jesse Marsch, who pretty much knows nothing about the Premier League - not worked in it and not plied his trade in it.

"And you ask him to come into the most difficult league in world football and say, 'Rescue this team'."

Keys then interjected, commenting:" I would be on the phone to Sam Allardyce as we speak and say we only have one objective... Just get us safe!"

In October 2020, Keys had called for Pep Guardiola to hire Allardyce as a defensive coach after they conceded five goals at home to Leicester but was left with egg on his face as the sky blues went on to win the Premier League title quite comfortably.

Allardyce, meanwhile, returned to management with West Brom but experienced relegation to the second tier for the first time in his career.

He stepped down at the end of the season and has been out of work since May.

Marsch, who served as assistant to Bob Bradley with the United States national team, was sacked by RB Leipzig in December after five months in the job.

The former USA international led Salzburg to back-to-back league and cup doubles in Austria.