Chris Wilder makes ‘unbelievable’ Leeds United admission ahead of Sheffield United clash
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has spoken about his “unbelievable respect” for Leeds United ahead of Friday’s (18 October) clash.
The two sides face each other in a potential six-pointer with Sheffield United aiming to maintain their unbeaten run whilst Leeds hope to end their three-game winless run against top-six opposition.
Daniel Farke’s side could go top of the table with a win, as could the Blades depending on other results and their manager revealed his respect for Leeds ahead of the game.
In quotes reported by the Yorkshire Post (18 October), Wilder said: “It doesn’t have that hostility but there’s definitely rivalry and people who will want to stir it. There’ll be stuff coming out about what I’ve said historically, what I’ve said about Jayden and Gus Hamer and a couple of others but it’s part and parcel of football, it’s how we roll.
“I’ve got an unbelievable respect for Leeds and what they’ve achieved. I’m a football man, I’m not daft, I know what their club’s about. One of my best pals played for them.”
Friday’s encounter is a must-win for Leeds United
There are several reasons why this game has such magnitude. A local rivalry, a chance to go top of the table however, perhaps most importantly, it’s a chance for Leeds to show they can beat the teams around them.
Farke’s side have already failed to beat Sunderland, West Brom and Burnley; three teams who occupy the current top-six.
For a side to have any hopes of promotions, it is vital that they can pick up three points against teams that will be a direct rival for promotion, especially after they have all done the same themselves.
Granted, Leeds were unfortunate not to come away from their encounter with Sunderland after what was an impressive performance, however, points on the board are all that counts come the end of the season.
The January transfer window could also prove to be significant to Leeds’ promotion hopes with several players tipped to leave in what is expected to be a busy period for the Whites.
In other Leeds news, a priority player for the January transfer window has been revealed at Elland Road.
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