Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder believes his players couldn’t have prepared any better for tomorrow’s Championship play-off final against Sunderland.
The Blades were embroiled in a three-way tussle for automatic promotion for much of the campaign, ultimately losing out to Leeds United and Burnley. They still picked up a staggering 90 points, 14 ahead of nearest rivals Sunderland in fourth.
They enjoyed the most comfortable semi-final tie across the three EFL divisions, beating Bristol City 3-0 both home and away to emerge with a 6-0 aggregate victory. This makes them favourites to secure promotion and Wembley Stadium, just 12 months after they suffered relegation from the Premier League.
Wilder Thrilled With Preparation
Speaking ahead of the trip to the capital, Wilder appeared relaxed after watching his players performance in training this week:
“I haven’t had to manage them at all. They’re focused.
“We’re always looking and getting the feel right. I know it’s been said by a lot of people, but there’s a load of energy around this football club at the moment and we have to take that into Saturday. But now we have to get the preparation right. We have to get the detail right. That’s really important.
“As I’ve said, it’s one of my old favourites and I should imagine the players are little bit bored of me saying it. Everybody wants to win, but some want to win more than others and it’s how you prepare for these situations.”
Continuing, the 57-year-old admitted that his squad couldn’t be in better shape:
“Physically, we’re in a great place from an availability point of view. Tactically, we’ve got to find a way to get the job done, to execute the game plan. Technically, we’ve got really good players, that’s the good thing about it.
“I’ve got a real good group of players, who can produce big moments, who can keep clean sheets, who can play on the big stage and in the big occasions – and the mentality has been really consistent. So I’m enjoying watching the players. I’m liking where they’re at, at the moment.
“There’s no guarantees, of course, but I don’t think we could have prepared any better. We’re ready.”
Writer’s View
All eyes on are the national stadium tomorrow afternoon as the third and fourth best teams in the Championship lock horns. They have picked up a win apiece against each other this season and it is a game that is almost impossible to predict. Sheffield United will feel they are better placed and are in excellent form. However, Sunderland have completely altered their game plan since reaching the play-offs, which could make them difficult to break down. Wilder seems relaxed though, a feeling he will be getting from his players.
