"Raise the bar..." - Chris Wilder sends player warning as Sheffield United reset begins
Sheffield United confirmed their pre-season plans this week ahead of a pivotal summer, but Chris Wilder insists the hard work has already begun with the upcoming weeks reshaping both the fitness levels and mentality of his squad after last season's frustrations
Chris Wilder has warned his Sheffield United players to prepare for a much tougher environment when they return for pre-season training this summer, as he looks to raise standards across the board after last season's disappointing campaign. United yesterday confirmed their warm-up campaign.
An August 1 trip to Bochum in Germany had already been announced, while the Blades will also travel to Spain for a warm-weather camp which will not feature an official game. Domestically, United will face FC Halifax Town, Chesterfield, Huddersfield Town and Rotherham United before the new Championship season.
Wilder is eagerly preparing for a significant summer rebuild after limping to a 13th-placed finish in the Championship last season, with a host of departures already confirmed and more expected before the transfer window closes. But while much of the focus has centred on recruitment, Wilder believes the foundations for next season are already being laid.
The Blades chief was frequently critical of the physical state of the squad he re-inherited last September, when he returned to Bramall Lane just months after being replaced by Ruben Selles.
Too often he was forced to make what he described as “physical substitutions” in games, which he believes was a big factor in his side dropping almost 30 points from winning positions across the season.
But the hard yards in pre-season could also have a secondary benefit, of helping to shape the mentality that Wilder is hoping to re-instil after sensing things had slipped on that front as well following his departure.
"When you look at pre-season, it's obviously key for fitness and that side of things," Wilder said. "But it's also hugely important from a mentality point of view because it's when you get your messages across.
"That's much more difficult during the season when you've got limited time. At the start of pre-season you can really set the narrative and lay down what you want from the group."
That will be vital for the new players that join United this summer, but also for reaffirming a message or two to the players already at Bramall Lane. The message to all will be clear - the standards are being raised. And you’re either in, or you’re out.
"In many ways we're already doing that now through the individual meetings we've already had with the players who are going to be here," Wilder continued. "And through the conversations we'll have across all departments - medical, sports science, coaching and mentality.
“Getting players in early and having a decent-sized group to work with is important as well. We're looking forward to getting our message across to the players and I'm sure we'll get a positive response.
“The good thing is that some of the boys have worked with me before, so they know what's coming and they know how we operate.
“This is going to be tough. Players have to get ready for that because we're going to raise the bar in a lot of areas. And they've got to be prepared for it.”