Sam Allardyce says the fear of relegation should have his Leeds United side fighting back, as they prepare to host Newcastle United on Saturday.
With three games remaining, Leeds sit 19th in the Premier League table, two points from safety.
“Fear has to drive them forward,” said Leeds manager Allardyce.
“The fear of relegation and the fear of losing Premier League status should make them fight and want to fight for their Premier League status.”
Leeds’ last two fixtures see them traveling to face West Ham next week before hosting Tottenham Hotspur on the final day of the season and Allardyce admitted he would be delighted to have a chance to stand on the final day.
“We have nine points to win [and] I would be very satisfied if we were still here when we face Tottenham,” he said.
Eddie Howe’s Magpies are visitors to Elland Road for Allardyce’s first home game since taking charge last week.
Newcastle are third in the table and pushing for Champions League qualification, something Allardyce had ambitions to oversee during his time in charge of the club.
“Was I disappointed? Yes,” he said, referring to his dismissal at Newcastle in 2008.
“[It was a] massive setback but I’m still recovering and moving on.
“It was a blow to my career at that time and I wanted to take [the club] to where he is now. It was my ambition and [previous owner] Freddie Shepherd at the time.”
Good omens for Leeds and Allardyce
Since Allardyce’s departure from Newcastle, he has managed five different teams against the Magpies.
His 13 wins against the North East side are more than against any other club in his managerial career and in his last five matches against the Magpies – with three different clubs – he has won three and drawn twice .
