Allardyce tells Villas-Boas he’s been immature
TOTTENHAM boss Andre Villas-Boas has been branded “immature” by West Ham counterpart Sam Allardyce for his handling of scrutiny of his managerial credentials.
Last week Villas-Boas said he was “immune” to the criticism that followed Spurs’ disastrous 6-0 defeat at Manchester City in their last away match, but on Sunday hit back at what he says is an “aggressive agenda” against him, adding that questioning of his “integrity, professionalism and human values” had gone too far.
But Hammers boss Allardyce, whose team travel to the Premier League’s bottom club Crystal Palace tonight, feels Villas-Boas has gone about dealing with the criticism incorrectly.
“You have to use the criticism as a motivational drive to show these people that they are wrong,” Allardyce said. “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 can’t let that happen because you’re not going to win.
“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.”
Allardyce has often had to contend with criticism of the playing style associated with his teams. On Thursday the former Bolton, Blackburn and Newcastle boss moved to defend his failure to bolster his frontline in the summer, forcing the Hammers to field a striker-less formation several times this term.
Allardyce opted to re-sign forward Carlton Cole, originally released in the summer, on a short-term deal in October, having failed to land a replacement.
The 30-year-old could be rewarded with his first Premier League start of the season at Selhurst Park having netted in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Fulham.