The less said about Sam Allardyce’s brief spell at Leeds United, the better. Tasked with saving the club from relegation in the final four games of the 2022/23 season, “Big Sam” faced an uphill battle.
Despite his reputation as a survival specialist, Allardyce was unable to steer Leeds to safety, but his time at Elland Road wasn’t without some bold decisions.
One of the most puzzling moves was his complete disregard for Georginio Rutter, the club’s record £35 million signing, who had only recently arrived from Hoffenheim. Leeds fans were left scratching their heads, wondering why such a high-profile signing wasn’t being used in a crucial period.
Now, speaking on the Under the Cosh podcast, Allardyce has finally explained his decision to sideline the Frenchman.
Why Sam Allardyce didn’t use Georginio Rutter:
In typically blunt fashion, Allardyce revealed that he didn’t feel Rutter was up to the task when Leeds were fighting for survival.
“I’d love to ask about Rutter, why you didn’t play Rutter?” the host asked.
“He wasn’t good enough,” Allardyce responded.
“That’s answered that, but he’s just gone to Brighton for £40m,” the host replied.
“I just couldn’t believe they paid that much money for him. Under those circumstances he was too young. Coming in and playing in a struggling side in the Premier League that young was a lot to ask,” Allardyce concluded.
Georginio Rutter had a poor start at Leeds
While Rutter is now one of Leeds’ brightest prospects and has earned a £40 million transfer to Brighton, it’s worth remembering just how much he struggled upon his arrival at Elland Road. He failed to score a single goal during that season and often appeared out of his depth in a side battling for survival.
With only four matches to save Leeds from the drop, Allardyce couldn’t afford to take a chance on a player still adjusting to life in the Premier League.
In hindsight, Allardyce’s assessment may seem harsh, but given the circumstances, his decision to leave Rutter out for those final games is at least understandable.