In response to Miron Muslić’s assertion that the Blades are under pressure in tomorrow’s crucial match at Home Park, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has stated: “We’ve dealt with that since the first day of the season.” After consecutive losses at Oxford United and at home to Millwall, the Blades travel to Devon in an attempt to resume their winning ways.
Argyle, who started the game five points outside of safety, also sorely needs the points for their own goals. Earlier this week, manager Muslić boldly declared, “I think we’re going to win this game, because our boys will surprise us again with a good and strong performance.”
The Pilgrims boss also suggested that United are feeling more pressure than his side; comments which Wilder did not agree with, as he told the assembled media this morning ahead of the trip down to Devon. “They’re bottom of the league for a reason,” he said in his assessment of the challenge his side will face.
“But they can be dangerous opposition, as showed last week when they beat Norwich City. It’s a game we should be expected to win and I listened to a bit of nonsense from their manager about pressure. The pressure’s always on Sheffield United.
“It has been since the first day of pre-season and we’ve got 85 points. We’re not crumbling because of the pressure situation. We didn’t get a result at Oxford because we were off the pace and didn’t take the big moments v Millwall.
“If we play like that I think we’ll win the game and it’s bigger pressure trying to stay in the division. There’s pressure from ourselves and the size of the club and those boys have handled that brilliantly.”
Defeat at home to Millwall played out amongst an air of disconsolation at Bramall Lane as United’s promotion hopes were dealt another blow, with the Blades’ play becoming understandably more frantic as the game went on.
“The message is: ‘Let’s be a bit more calmer and controlled in our manner,’” Wilder said. “The first goal in games is huge, and it’s disappointing we’ve allowed both teams to get it in the last two games and then sit in and counter.
“It’s important that we go and get the first goal and there are other certain things, too. We have to be better in our final run, pass, cross and finish. And defensively to avoid some poor goals too.”
“The message is to be a little more composed and in control of our behaviour,” Wilder stated. “It’s disappointing that we’ve let both teams score the first goal in the last two games and then sit in and counter. The first goal is huge in games.”
“We must go and accomplish the initial goal, but there are other specifics as well. Our final run, pass, cross, and finish all need improvement. as well as defensively to prevent some bad goals.
