Enda Stevens reveals what it's like to play for 'driven winner' Chris Wilder at Sheffield United

United, fresh from pipping rivals Leeds to automatic promotion from the Championship last year, were seventh in the top-flight when it was suspended last month in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Stevens and Co. also have a game in hand on fifth-placed Manchester United, who occupy what is likely to be the final Champions League spot after Manchester City's two-year UEFA ban.

Whether they will actually get the chance to complete their unlikely challenge for Europe remains to be seen, with some debate raging about how to actually complete the season in light of the Covid-19 crisis.

But Stevens, the Republic of Ireland international, has no doubt over the qualities of his manager, Chris Wilder.

"He's driven and he's a winner," Stevens said.

"Even in pre-season, he wants to win every game. He makes players want to play for him and gets the best out of them, because all the lads buy into it.

"He has a great backroom staff and wants to play good football, but first and foremost wants to win the game. it's a good balance."

Stevens highlighted Wilder's attitude after their 2-0 defeat at reigning European champions Liverpool, as the perfect point.

While acknowledging how good Jurgen Klopp's men were, Wilder remained disappointed that his side had not laid a glove on the runaway Premier League champions.

"That was the toughest game I've ever experienced, by the way," Stevens added.

"He calls it as it is, and how he sees it. He saw us not perform at Liverpool and was right to criticise us.

"He's just a winner and if he feels like we haven't applied ourselves, he'll tell us. He wants that reaction and the lads are willing to take criticism, and bounce back.

"The way we play is exciting. We go into every game looking to win. We're prepared to defend but he believes we can win every game, and that's what you want. It's not about surviving or protecting goal difference. We go out looking to win every game."

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