The last time Chris Wilder managed Sheffield United, he and Jurgen Klopp got into a public altercation. Now, the two managers are about to square off once more.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is set to come face-to-face with the boss who once called him “selfish” when his side travel to Sheffield United tonight.
The Blades sacked manager Paul Heckingbottom after their 5-0 defeat to Burnley and appointedc, who previously led the South Yorkshire side to two promotions in three seasons, as his successor. During Wilder’s successful first stint at Bramall Lane, he and Klopp were initially full of praise for each other.
Wilder tried to gift Klopp a bottle of champagne for winning FIFA men’s coach of the year, and after the German coach respectfully refused, they shared a beer together instead. Klopp also praised United’s “proper unit – manager, players, team, crowd together” after a 1-0 away victory for the Reds in 2019.
When the home team defeated his opponent’s team 2-0 at Anfield the following February to win the Premier League title, Wilder declared he “loves everything about Liverpool” and the way his squad performed. The love-in went on. However, things between the two heated up the next season.
In the past, Wilder had criticized Klopp and other managers for their support of the use of five substitutions. He continued, saying, “I have the utmost respect for these top managers because they achieve excellent outcomes and triumph.” But they take care of their own clubs; they are self-centered. They won’t give a damn about England or Sheffield United.”
A week later, Klopp, who had previously argued that the new restriction would safeguard players’ health, responded angrily to Wilder’s charges, saying, “Chris Wilder or whoever, constantly say I’m selfish.” I believe that everything points to his selfishness, but that’s not really essential.”
As the 2020–21 campaign went on, Wilder continued to be unrelenting in his criticism of Klopp. The Sheffield United manager called Klopp “a top politician and a head coach” when 2,000 Liverpool supporters were permitted to see their club play as Covid-19 rules were loosened.
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