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Leeds Boss Evans Clarifies Town Comments Saturday, 23rd Jan 2016 10:34
Leeds manager Steve Evans has sought to clarify the comments he made after his side’s recent 2-1 defeat to the Blues at Portman Road, which were perceived as disrespectful towards Town.
The former Rotherham boss - who didn’t attend the usual post-match press conference in Portman Road’s media centre although he was interviewed by his club's TV channel - made various claims about the Blues including a comment, which was widely viewed as dismissive, regarding then-sixth Town’s position in the play-offs: “[If that’s] the benchmark [for the play-offs] then we’ll take that benchmark”.
But he now says the comments regarding the play-offs were taken in entirely the wrong way.
“I said after the game if Ipswich Town is the benchmark, then I will bring that challenge on, I will take it and respond to it,” he told talkSPORT.
“I meant that in such a complimentary way, a complimentary way, because Ipswich Town last year, in my opinion, were unlucky to lose over two legs with Norwich in the play-offs.
“I watched both games live, I’m good friends with the Norwich coach. They have kicked on this year once again, no surprise to people in Championship football.
“Mick McCarthy has built an excellent side, lost one or two players, added some real quality and they are challenging again.
“So I come out as Leeds coach, I am disappointed with our performance. I say if that’s the benchmark and then I read blogs from people who were not at the game, who were not at the press conference, they then said well that I was saying that’s a simple challenge to go and achieve. I was meaning it was a difficult challenge.”
In addition to his comments about the Blues, Evans was also highly critical of referee Fred Graham after the game - “I thought he was absolutely garbage" - and the official wouldn’t leave the field following the final whistle until the furious Leeds boss had been removed from the tunnel by stewards.
We know exactly what you meant at the time Evans, you were bitter after letting in an injury time goal. You were disparaging and were called out on it, now you're trying to backtrack. Just go away.
"I meant that in such a complimentary way, a complimentary way, because Ipswich Town last year, in my opinion, were unlucky to lose over two legs with Norwich in the play-offs."
Fair enough.
“Mick McCarthy has built an excellent side, lost one or two players, added some real quality and they are challenging again."
Glad to hear it. D'you know, I might actually stop disliking you now.
"“I watched both games live, I'm good friends with the Norwich coach..."
Time to draw a line and move on. May will determine who has been the better side and I fully expect us to finish above Leeds, who were okay but no world beaters.
when i first read the headline i thought, fair play, respect to the guy, he knew he was wrong but what an empty appology that is. anyway forget about those dirty scum, big day today 2-1 town
Though his comments at the time were sour grapes, it was hard to argue with some of his points especially in the way that we play, even though it was one of our better home performances.
What about the bit about Sheffield Wednesday being a better side than us? He meant that in a complimentary way no doubt. Karma anyway they've lost their last two matches.
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