05 December 2023 , 15:17
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Jurgen Klopp has raised doubts that Chris Wilder will be able to make an impact at Sheffield United in time for their clash with Liverpool.
The Blades are rock bottom of the Premier League following a dismal 5-0 thrashing at the hands of fellow relegation batters Burnley on Saturday. They responded by sacking manager Paul Heckingbottom, with former boss Wilder returning to take charge.
His first match back in charge is a daunting test at home to Liverpool on Wednesday, with the Anfield side challenging for the title. And Reds boss Klopp is confident his side will be able to avoid falling victim to the new manager bounce after coming from behind to beat Fulham on Sunday.
"He has a press conference now, training after that, maybe another session tomorrow and analysis. We have to focus on ourselves, I don't think he will change too much in such a short period," Klopp said in his press conference ahead of the game.
"I remember how they played under Chris before. We can bin our analysis! I was sitting in the office yesterday when someone said it could happen. Our late winner was very important. If you do that every week you'll likely win the league.
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"But we missed a few opportunities to do that. I don't think for a second now where we could end up. We have to be where we are now until April, if we are still there then we could talk. No chance we think ahead of the next game. Focus on Sheffield United."
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Jurgen Klopp and Chris Wilder clashed during the latter's first stint at Sheffield United (Getty Images)Klopp won all four of his meetings with Wilder during the latter's first spell at Bramall Lane. But that did not prevent the duo from clashing as the Premier League prepared to return from the Covid-19 pandemic through Project Reset.
The Liverpool boss was in favour of a move that increased the number of substitutes a manager could make from three to five. Wilder fiercely opposed those plans though, labelling Klopp "selfish".
"He is going to look after his own club. I’ve got incredible respect for these top managers because they produce top results and win things. But they’re selfish, they look after their own clubs. They’re not going to be bothered about Sheffield United, they’re not going to be bothered about England," Wilder said.
Those comments found short-shrift from Klopp though, who hit back at the Blades manager. The German responded following a draw with Brighton, making his unhappiness with Wilder clear.
He said in a post-match interview that day: "Chris Wilder or whoever, constantly say I’m selfish. I think all the things show that he’s selfish but that’s not too important."
The duo later made amends with each other, but their rivalry will be renewed on Wednesday night. Liverpool will be huge favourites to claim all three points, having gone eight Premier League games unbeaten.