He knows the score.
Sam Allardyce has undoubtedly turned Everton’s season around since being appointed as Ronald Koeman’s permanent successor.
However, he has not been without his critics. The former Crystal Palace and Sunderland boss is renowned for favouring defensive organisation and a consistent shape over free-flowing attacking football and it’s been no different with the Toffees.
The New Year’s Day defeat to Manchester United was a case in point, with Everton managing just 39% possession and failing to register a shot on target.
Allardyce: "We won't be playing open, expansive football and letting Liverpool play through us like they can do."
Thanks for clearing that up, Sam. pic.twitter.com/y8mupSEgGR
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) January 5, 2018
Friday night’s FA Cup clash with rivals Liverpool is likely to be much of the same, but at least Allardyce doesn’t shy away from the brand of football he adheres to.
During his pre-match interview with BBC, Allardyce was asked about what sort of game the fans should expect, to which he responded:
“The one thing we won’t be doing is playing open, expansive football.”
At least he is honest. Of course, even with Virgil van Dijk in the line-up, Liverpool are far from being an impenetrable defensive unit, so there are a lot of supporters who would want to see Everton taking the game to the Reds.
When Allardyce is at the helm, though, that is wishful thinking.
