The Scottish legend explained how both are so similarly pressured.
Former Liverpool and Leeds United midfielder Gary McAllister has been speaking about the two clubs today. He was speaking to Sky Sports about the current difficulties at Anfield under Jurgen Klopp.
After looking like genuine title contenders for much of the season’s start that has dissipated. They have not won in five games, including four defeats, and have slipped to fifth in the Premier League as a result – with rivals Manchester United just behind them.
Gary McAllister – Leeds United in action against Steve Nicol – Liverpool
Much of the blame has fallen at the player’s feet as well as manager Jurgen Klopp’s. The Liverpool stars have simply not been performing to the best of their abilities and Liverpool fans are growing restless with the shape of things at the club.
McAllister, who played at Liverpool from 2000 to 2002 also played for six years at Leeds United as well as managing them in 2008.
He told Sky Sports how the pressure for playing for both sides is certainly comparable:
“It was something that was apparent when I came here and it was similar at Leeds United.
“You are under the microscope more at the big clubs and none more so than here. It is all part of being a Liverpool player and being able to deal with criticism when it comes your way.”
Gary McAllister celebrates with Emile Heskey – Liverpool v Coventry, 2000.
It is a sign of Leeds United’s massive size that still they are considered such a big club, despite their recent exile from top-flight football.
Leeds are currently pushing for a return to the Premier League, where a Liverpool fixture can again become a regular occurrence.
Football purists will surely be relishing the thought.
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