'Jurgen Klopp IS selfish; Chris Wilder IS selfish.. we're ALL selfish' - Sheffield United boss backed by Premier League rival over five subs row

Wilder has inadvertently been handed the role of spokesperson for those clubs who feel that being allowed to make five changes in a match is of benefit to bigger clubs with stronger squads.

Meanwhile, the unofficial figurehead in the opposing camp – Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp – took a swipe at Wilder yesterday after his side’s 1-1 draw with Brighton.

"They [Brighton] had injuries as well, but ask Chris Wilder how we can avoid that,” Klopp said.

"Chris Wilder says I am selfish. I think all the things he says are selfish.

"I was in a similar situation as he is when I worked at Mainz - all about staying in the league. But they now have three subs, and one point, if I’m right, so there’s no advantage or disadvantage.

"If I had five subs today, I bring on Kostas [Tsimikas] for Robbo [Andy Robertson], to save Robbo. It’s not about tactics. It's about saving players."

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However, the manager of the team that beat Sheffield United on Saturday night sides with Wilder on the issue.

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“We’re all selfish. It’s not selfish in a negative way,” Bilic said after West Brom’s 1-0 win over United at the Hawthorns. “You have a job, it’s your responsibility to do the job and part of that is finding ways to suit your team and how they can affect your club better.

“Klopp is also selfish, he’s looking at it from his point of view, or the big clubs - he’s not the only one of course.

“He’s very vocal, and I respect him for that. He’s not hiding, he has his opinion. At the same time, I agree with Chris Wilder - we’re looking at what is best for us.

“The difference between three subs and five subs when we play those sides is our advantage, against those big clubs.

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“Scott Parker said it best - the decision should be made by the authorities, by the Premier League or the FA. Maybe I’m not going to agree with it, but I’d have to go along with it.

“We all want to protect the players. It’s not like Chris Wilder - and it’s a paradox, because Chris Wilder can’t afford injuries, because he doesn’t have a massive squad - doesn’t care about the welfare of the players.

“He cares a lot, but when he puts on the scales what is important, and what is giving his team a better position, it’s three subs definitely. It’s the kind of decision that shouldn’t be left to us, it should’ve been down to the authorities.”

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