Jurgen Klopp and Chris Wilder to reunite again after Liverpool boss told him he’s “selfish”
Sheffield United are ready to re-hire Chris Wilder, which could be terrible news for Jurgen Klopp’s title contenders.
On Wednesday, Liverpool travel to Bramall Lane to face the Premier League’s worst club, who have only five points from their opening 14 games this season. That poor form led to Paul Heckingbottom’s departure and the return of adored ex-boss Wilder, which is anticipated to be revealed on Tuesday.
Liverpool fans will be anxious about the so-called “new manager bounce,” as well as Klopp’s relationship with Wilder. The two managers fought during Wilder’s first term in command of the Blades, which lasted from May 2016 to March 2021.
Wilder led United to the League One title in his first season in charge at Bramall Lane before being promoted to the Premier League in May 2019. Despite their disagreements, Wilder and Klopp became friends. Here’s how their rivalry has progressed thus far…
Mutual respect
The two managers met for the first time in September 2019, when Liverpool won 1-0 at Bramall Lane. The only goal of the game came as a result of Blades keeper Dean Henderson spilling Georginio Wijnaldum’s weak attempt.
Klopp instantly earned Wilder’s respect by paying a visit to his office following. “Jurgen popped in after the game, which was refreshing,” Wilder said. “It’s an incredible league to be a part of, but there’s one thing that has slightly disappointed me because it doesn’t seem to be a given anymore.” It was fascinating to hear about their rehabilitation and preparation.
“Having a manager from a top world club in the office was fantastic.” Finally, there are two groups of players and two groups of personnel. We’re trying to win, they’re trying to win; let’s have a beer and talk about it afterward.”
Klopp lauded United as a “proper unit” as well. Nonetheless, he expressed some reservations. “The relationship between manager and players is there,” Liverpool manager Klopp added. Chris, he’s quite animated. I thought I was loud, but he’s insane.”
The love continues
Despite those statements, Klopp extolled Wilder in February 2020. Liverpool was cruising to the Premier League title, but Manchester United was also performing admirably. Klopp was asked if he was concerned about being overlooked for Manager of the Year.
“As I’ve said before, I didn’t really know Chris Wilder before we played Sheffield United, but now I follow Sheffield United,” he responded. Not just when we’re playing them.”
Jurgen Klopp and Chris Wilder to reunite again after Liverpool boss told him he’s “selfish”
Wilder also praised Klopp’s team when Liverpool defeated the Blades 2-0 at Anfield in January 2020. He was quoted as saying: “I thought they (Liverpool) were outstanding but they didn’t have to get out of second gear or third gear.”
He went on to say: “They did all the things, you talk about academy coaches and all this nonsense about technical and tactical stuff… they won every first ball, every second ball, dropped on every second ball, ran forward and ran back and they did that miles better than us.”
“They played in second and third gear but still had the humility and desire to do that as world champions, European champions, and obviously, they’re on their way to being Premier League champions,” Wilder continued. Fortunately, we’ve already played Liverpool twice.
“I wish Jurgen and Liverpool the best of luck; I admire everything about them, from their approach to their tactical and technical players.” But the top portion, both physically and mentally, is incredible, and if that’s good enough for them, it’s certainly good enough for everybody else.”
Things get heated
The following season, United began to suffer… and the tables were turned. A debate erupted about whether teams should be permitted to make three or five substitutes during a match. The latter rule was implemented for the final few weeks of the 2019/20 season, which was played in the summer due to the Covid epidemic.
Klopp was in favour of the rule, while Wilder claimed it mainly helped teams with larger and better squads, like as Liverpool. In a news conference, Wilder was asked about the rule and stated, “He (Klopp) is going to look after his own club.”
“I have enormous respect for these top managers because they produce excellent results and win awards.” But they’re selfish; they only care about their own teams. They’re not going to care about Sheffield United, and they’re not going to care about England.”
A week later, Liverpool were held to a draw by Brighton, and Klopp used the post-match interview to fire out at Wilder. “Chris Wilder or whoever says I’m selfish all the time,” he said. “I believe that everything demonstrates that he is selfish, but that isn’t too important.”
Jurgen Klopp and Chris Wilder to reunite again after Liverpool boss told him he’s “selfish”
Klopp also mentioned United’s awful start to the season, in which they only managed two points in their first 17 league games. The Blades were in the midst of a disastrous run when Klopp spoke. He snarled, saying: “They have three subs and one point if I am right.”
Wilder also referred to Klopp as a “world-class politician” after loosening Covid rules in Liverpool allowed 2,000 fans to watch Klopp’s team play. In Sheffield, those limitations were not relaxed, leaving Bramall Lane vacant.
“He (Klopp) is a world-class manager and a world-class politician who cares about Liverpool,” Wilder remarked. He was never going to say anything about Sheffield United, Newcastle, Manchester City, Manchester United, or anyone else.
Friends again
Klopp’s last meeting with Wilder was in February 2021, just a month before the latter left Bramall Lane. Both managers attempted to defuse tensions prior to the game, which Liverpool won 2-0. “The relationship is absolutely fine,” Wilder remarked.
“I have nothing but admiration for Jurgen; he’s a first-rate manager.” That’s what occurs when people talk and say things. I wouldn’t be performing this work if I was concerned about what people said. I didn’t take it personally, and I’ve moved on, and worrying about things like that is low down the pecking order.”
Klopp’s response was similar, albeit more harsh. He described their connection as “similar to other Premier League managers… no contact until game days, so nothing to worry about.” Will there be any fireworks during the match on Wednesday? We’ll have to see what happens.
