Chris Wilder hits back at Jurgen Klopp again as the verbal feud continues

Speaking in the post-match conference to Sky Sports (h/t Liverpool Echo) after their loss to West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder replied to the comments made by Jurgen Klopp and said that he had a right to defend the best interests of his own club.

Chris Wilder labelled Klopp ‘a world-class politician’ earlier this week as the Blades boss disagreed with his opinion that five substitutes be allowed in a Premier League match. Klopp responded to it by mentioning that Sheffield United have ‘3 substitutes and 1 point‘ in a heated interview with Des Kelly of BT Sport.

Sheffield United went on to lose to West Bromich Albion just hours after Klopp’s interview. The loss meant that Chris Wilder’s team still has 1 point this season as they remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table.

When asked in the post-match interview about Klopp’s reply to his initial comments regarding the 5-substitution rule, Chris Wilder stood his ground and said that he had the right to have the best interests of his own club in mind. (h/t Liverpool Echo)

“Today is talking about today’s result and as Jurgen said – a good observation – we’re still on that one point… Everybody has that right to do that (defend their own club’s view). There is 20 votes in this league and everybody looks after himself right the way through. Nobody is looking after Sheffield United the right way now, so we have to look after ourselves.”

The Blades boss went to add that he continues to harbour a great deal of respect for Liverpool but will continue to look after his own club.

“I have got a huge amount of respect for Liverpool Football Club, as I always have done. I also have a huge amount of respect for Jurgen. Whether it is looking after the football club, whether it is selfish or another word. By the way, there are a few more managers in there as well that have looked after their own club. I will always look after Sheffield United.”

Liverpool beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Anfield earlier this season, and the two teams will lock horns again on 27th February 2021.

Although between then and now, the managers of the two clubs may share more verbal punches as the debate for introducing the ‘5-substitutions rule’ reaches no solid conclusion.