What Sheffield United's Chris Wilder said about his relationship with Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp after 'five-subs' war of words

Chris Wilder says his relationship with Jurgen Klopp is “absolutely fine” after the Sheffield United manager inadvertently became embroiled in a war of words with the Liverpool manager earlier in the season.
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Wilder suggested that Klopp was only looking out for Liverpool’s own interests when he advocated a return for the five-substitutes rule earlier in the season, later describing the German as a “world-class politician” when Liverpool were allowed fans back in Anfield.

Klopp then made several digs at Wilder in his media interviews, including a pointed dig at the fact that United only had one point on the board at the time.

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Ahead of Sunday’s meeting between United and Liverpool at Anfield, which sees two out-of-form clubs do battle at Bramall Lane, the subject was raised in United’s pre-match press conference.

But as far as Wilder is concerned, the bizarre war of words is water under the bridge and he has more important things on his plate, with United looking to somehow engineer an unlikely survival bid and stay in the Premier League.

“The relationship is absolutely fine,” Wilder said.

“I’ve got nothing but admiration for Jurgen, he’s a top class manager. People talk and if I was precious about what people said.

Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp and his Sheffield United counterpart Chris Wilder will go head-to-head at Bramall Lane on Sunday.  (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp and his Sheffield United counterpart Chris Wilder will go head-to-head at Bramall Lane on Sunday.  (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp and his Sheffield United counterpart Chris Wilder will go head-to-head at Bramall Lane on Sunday. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

“He’s a winner, we all try to win and he’s done that in incredible fashion. In the heat of the moment… if it was personal I didn’t take it personal.

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“I’ve moved on, I’ve got enough on to worry about stuff like that and it’s way down the pecking order for me.”

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