Slavisa Jokanovic says Sheffield United must take responsibility for poor start after work on training ground

Slavisa Jokanović, the Sheffield United manager, admits he was worked on “a lot of things” with the players at his disposal over the international break after admitting the Blades need to take responsibility for their poor start to the Championship season.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Jokanović’s men went into the international break with only two points from their five league games under their new manager, with Billy Sharp’s late goal against Huddersfield Town the only time they have found the back of the net in over seven and a half hours of league football.

Their latest blank came last time out against Luton Town with Kenilworth Road, before United boosted their attacking options with the loan signings of Conor Hourihane and Morgan Gibbs-White late in the transfer window.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Both men are expected to make their Blades debuts against Peterborough United next weekend, while Robin Olsen will also play barring any illness or injury on international duty with Sweden.

“We needed to work on a lot of things,” Jokanović admitted.

“We need to play football with confidence and at the moment we aren't doing that. We are fighting players but we didn't start at Luton. I'm thinking about the next steps; we need to take the responsibility and change te situation.

“We can't be satisfied or happy with the situation with two points after five Championship games and scoring one goal.”

Jokanović, though, rejected any suggestions that his side are not working hard enough to banish the hangover from their painful relegation from the Premier League last season.

Slavisa Jokanovic, the Sheffield United manager: Lewis Storey/GettySlavisa Jokanovic, the Sheffield United manager: Lewis Storey/Getty
Slavisa Jokanovic, the Sheffield United manager: Lewis Storey/Getty
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It's a question of work,” he added. “I can't say my players aren't working hard enough but I am first responsible if things aren't going well.

“There are some basic things we need to work on and it's an important time for us. it's important to play football and enjoy it, because this is not enjoyment.

“I didn't enjoy watching my team play at Luton and I don't believe my players enjoy this kind of game. I don't believe our supporters will have enjoyed it either so we must show some responsibility and change the situation for us.”

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.