• Premier League

Allardyce criticises AVB 'immaturity'

ESPN staff
December 2, 2013
Bittersweet Spurs

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce feels Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas has been immature in the way that he has dealt with recent criticism from the media.

Villas-Boas hit out at a number of journalists during his news conference following Spurs' 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday after he was the subject of negative press last week.

And Allardyce believes the Portuguese would have been better off keeping his thoughts to himself rather than lashing out.

"You have to use the criticism as a motivational drive to show these people that they are wrong. You've got to take it on the chin," Allardyce told talkSPORT.

"You and your players have got to do your talking on the field. I think he's just shown 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."

Allardyce did, however, take a more sympathetic approach towards his managerial counterpart when speaking at his news conference ahead of West Ham's clash with Crystal Palace on Tuesday.

"I haven't read about Andre Villas-Boas' comments, but I've obviously heard about them," Allardyce said. "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.''

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