Sam Allardyce says AVB acted ‘immaturely’

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has suggested André Villas-Boas acted “immaturely” by criticising the press coverage of his management of Spurs.

“You have to use the criticism as a motivational drive to show these people that they are wrong,’ Allardyce told Talksport today. “You’ve got to take it on the chin. You, and your players, have got to do your talking on the field. I think he’s just showed a little bit of immaturity. It can get under your skin, but you’ve can’t let that happen because you’re not going to win.”

The Tottenham manager had demanded more respect from the media following the 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Sunday.

“A couple of people insult my integrity, my human values, my professionalism … insult the success that I have achieved in other clubs and I don’t think it’s fair. I think it’s a lack of respect and an attack on a person’s integrity,” he said. Villas-Boas had gone into the United match with questions being asked among the club hierarchy over whether he remained the right man for the job.

The pressure seemed to be telling when he asked for a Tromso supporter who chanted that he would be “sacked in the morning” to be removed from his seat behind the dug-out during Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 Europa League victory in Norway on Thursday evening.

Villa-Boas had also hit out at the former Tottenham chairman Alan Sugar who criticised his tactics last week and said that he would like to see Alex Ferguson manage the club.

Villas-Boas said it was the fans’ team, “their passion and they don’t trade it for anything else, not like Alan Sugar, who trades it for money.” He was referring to Sugar’s sale of his shares to the club’s current owner Enic.

Later, speaking ahead of Tuesday night’s visit to Crystal Palace, Allardyce said: “I’ve haven’t read about Andre Villas-Boas’ comments, but I’ve obviously heard about them. However disappointed you may feel about what people say in media terms, it’s still much better keeping your powder dry.

“I admire him for having a go, but I don’t think it will do you any favours in the end unfortunately. But I’d admire him for sticking up for himself and having a go for what he believes in. In all honesty, he’s probably right.”

The Spurs midfielder Mousa Dembélé has insisted the players were behind their manager.

“The manager is working hard to give everyone confidence,” siad the Belgian. “The Man City result was not only embarrassing for the manager, but for us as well. People were laughing at us after that performance.”

His midfield partner Sandro insisted Villas-Boas is a popular figure among the players.

“Everyone likes him,” the Brazilian said. “We have to play for him and I think everyone is doing that on the pitch. Criticism happens to any coach if you do not win games. He knows we are here and we showed him what are going to do.

“I play for him every game. And for the club.”

Guardian Service