Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder explains drastic changes and booing after loss to Blackburn Rovers
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder explains drastic changes and booing after 3-1 loss to Blackburn Rovers
Chris Wilder conceded half-time boos from Sheffield United supporters were justified after his side were beaten 3-1 by Blackburn Rovers.
The Blades are ending the season in the no man’s land between the battles for promotion and survival but Wilder has made it clear he wants his side to finish strongly.
He was therefore thoroughly displeased when his side went 3-0 down 19th-placed Blackburn in the first half last night (April 22). Harrison Burrows pulled one back for the hosts after the break but too much damage had already been inflicted.
Chris Wilder reflects
Post-match, as reported by The Star, he said: “We were just miles off of it first half. No energy, no spark. It's not a straightforward game. Their results have said that. They're a counter-attacking team and they sit in and make it difficult. But so finding that first goal is important.
“We should have found it after 35 seconds, but we didn't. And then you have to be sharper, quicker. They sit in and they make it difficult for you. And we just didn't have the nous to break it down. The first goal is important. It's really disappointing.
“I understand the crowd's reaction at half-time. It was fully justified.”
Sheffield United changes explained
Wilder did not hesitate to ring the changes, making four substitutions at half-time. Mark McGuinness, Jairo Riedewald, Joe Rothwell and Tahith Chong all made way as Leo Hjelde, Tyler Bindon, Sydie Peck and Oliver Arblaster were sent on.
Wilder has revealed Peck, Seriki and the unused Andre Brooks would have started had they not been struck down by illness.
He explained: “Sydie would have played. Sydie, Brooksy and Femi would have played, but they were down with illness.
“They'd not trained for a couple of days, so they were on the bench. So Sydie would have played to give us a bit more energy. I was always a little bit cautious about sticking Blaster in as well, which I've talked about.
“That was the bright spot, them two coming on in the second half, but the two [starting] midfield players lacked energy and couldn't get round the pitch. We just looked short on energy and reaction.
“The reaction to turnovers to get back in, reaction to get out to stop crosses. Just the basic fundamental aspects of defending. We knew that they were going to cross it. They cross it possibly more than any of the teams in the division.
“Then you've got to defend inside the goal. We defended appallingly and from 3-0 down, it's a long way back.”