Chris Wilder makes claim about Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool after facing them last night

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Chris Wilder has been speaking glowingly about Liverpool after his Sheffield United team were beaten 2-0 by the Reds last night.

It was a big night for Wilder, as he returned to the dugout of his hometown team almost three years on from his sacking in 2021.

Unfortunately for him, it wasn’t a night of celebration, though. Liverpool weren’t at their best but ground out an important 2-0. And speaking to BBC Sport after the game, the United manager praised the set-up at Liverpool.

“Playing a team that’s one of the best teams in Europe, obviously one of the best teams in England in the Premier League for a number of years against an incredible manager and some fabulous players,” began the 56-year-old.

“I was delighted with the approach, the attitude of the players. We are disappointed we haven’t got something from the game, I can’t lie to you.”

Wilder speaks well of Liverpool

During his first spell at Bramall Lane, Wilder turned Sheffield United into a really tricky proposition.

Having steamed through the divisions, the Yorkshireman took the Blades from League One to ninth in the Premier League within four years.

The 2019/20 season saw them really upset the applecart in the top division, with Wilder showing some impressive tactical nous.

This led to praise from various top managers, including Klopp. But it’s for his feud with the Liverpool manager that Wilder is perhaps best remembered by Reds supporters.

Back in November 2020, football was grappling with whether or not to change the number of substitutes permitted from three to five. As a big protector of player welfare, Klopp was pushing hard to increase the amount of changes allowed.

But having seen Premier League managers initially vote against the decision, Klopp was left furious. Wilder even suggested Jurgen wanted the increase in subs for ‘selfish’ reason, leading to a trademark rant from the Liverpool boss.

“Ask Chris Wilder how we can avoid that [injuries],” the German said at the time via BBC Sport. “We had a talk between managers – a week ago now, I think – it was 15-5 if not 16-4 for five subs. Chris Wilder says constantly that I’m selfish. I think the things he’s said shows that he’s selfish. I was in a similar position at Mainz, all about staying in the league.”

Thankfully, things appear to have settled down between the two now, and mutual respect now reigns. With Wilder another outspoken coach though, don’t be surprised to see another flare up in the near future. For now though, nice words from the Blades boss.