Allardyce realistic about future

The 58-year-old was quoted in the past as saying he was good enough to manage Real Madrid or Inter Milan. But now he is clear on the fact he will not take over at any of Europe's elite clubs and will continue to do his best for the Hammers.

"I won't ever be going to a top-four club so I think we'll just leave it at that," he said. "I don't ever comment on that anymore because other people will jump on the back of it and cause all sorts of columns to go here, there and everywhere. I can understand what I can do, I understand my ability as a manager and I just do my job to the best of my ability wherever I work."

Back in 2010, whilst managing Blackburn, Allardyce said: "I'm not suited to Bolton or Blackburn, I would be more suited to Inter or Real Madrid - it wouldn't be a problem to me to go and manage those clubs because I would win the double or the league every time."

But the former Newcastle boss has now stepped back from those suggestions and joked about the reasons behind why he would never be given the opportunity at a side capable of playing at the highest echelons of the game.

"Because I'm not called 'Allardici', just Allardyce - that was tongue in cheek," he said.

Allardyce's side take on one such side on Saturday when they meet Manchester City with some Blues players have come out in recent weeks and criticised the system being implemented by manager Roberto Mancini.

The Italian has changed formation during matches on a number of occasions, with his players claiming to be unfamiliar with the roles assigned to them.

Allardyce is not letting any suggestion of dressing room unrest take his mind off the task of facing the league champions.

"I can't be too worried about what has been happening behind the scenes at Manchester City," he said. "I just know I've got to set the team out against the quality of their squad to try and make sure we can deal with that and on as many occasions as we can, test their back four if we get the opportunity."

Source: PA

Source: PA