With just days to go before the first Steel City derby since 2019, Sheffield United has plenty on their plate. Chris Wilder, United’s manager, is adamant that his squad won’t get distracted by the excitement of facing their city rivals, Sheffield Wednesday, despite the mounting anticipation for Sunday’s showdown. Before they can turn their attention fully to the derby, the Blades have an important fixture against Bristol City at Ashton Gate. Wilder knows they must keep their recent momentum intact, especially against a Bristol City side that has proven challenging, remaining unbeaten in their last eight games, albeit with five draws. “Our full focus is on Bristol City,” Wilder emphasized. “They’re well-coached, with a solid record and good players. If we lose focus, we’ll be punished.”
This focus was at the heart of the team’s recent meeting, where Wilder and United’s senior players emphasized the importance of staying grounded. Wilder is counting on the experience of seasoned players like Souttar, Robinson, and Kieffer Moore to keep the younger members of the squad steady and focused on the task at hand. “They won’t lose focus – they know through experience,” Wilder explained. While it’s impossible to ignore the buzz surrounding Sunday’s derby, Wilder insists the immediate priority is Bristol City. Another strong performance and a win there would carry forward the energy they’ll need against Sheffield Wednesday.
Drawing from his own career experience and the knowledge of his coaching team, Wilder has instilled a mindset that avoids shortcuts and complacency. He believes that focus and consistency are essential to staying competitive in the league. “If we’re not fully focused, we risk being outplayed,” he admitted. “But if we are, we have a good chance of getting the result we need.” With this mentality, Wilder aims to keep his team grounded and on track, ensuring they approach each game with the same intensity, regardless of what lies ahead.
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