Chris Wilder responds to Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool manager called him ‘selfish’

The Blades are among the few clubs who have opposed five substitutes

Sports Staff
Sunday 29 November 2020 10:47 GMT
Comments
Chris Wilder
Chris Wilder (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder said he had every right to look out for the interests of his club after being described as "selfish" by his Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp for opposing the reintroduction of five substitutes per game.

Klopp has repeatedly called on the Premier League to rethink its decision to stick with a maximum of three substitutes per game, and criticised broadcasters over hectic match scheduling that he thinks is leading to more player injuries.

The Liverpool boss stepped up his criticism after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion and took aim at Wilder, who had been critical of Klopp and other big club managers for demanding five substitutes be allowed again in the league.

The Blades are among the few clubs who have opposed five substitutes out of concern it benefits teams with bigger squads.

"Everyone has the right to defend their corner, there's 20 votes in this league and everyone looks after themselves all the way through," Wilder told Sky Sports after the Blades’ 1-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

"We have to look after ourselves. I'm not going into the nuts and bolts of what was said. I've always had a huge amount of respect for Liverpool as a football club as I've consistently said and respect for Juergen as well.

"So whether it's looking after the club, whether it's selfish, there's a few other managers in there that have looked after their own club as well. I'll always look after my own club."

The Blades, who are bottom of the standings with one point from their opening 10 games, face Leicester City next week.

Reuters

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in