What Slavisa Jokanovic said about "quality" in Sheffield United's squad after being unveiled as new boss
Slavisa Jokanović says he is excited by the quality that Sheffield United’s squad contains after admitting it was a key part of his decision to accept the club’s decision to become their first foreign permanent manager.
Jokanović, formerly of Watford and Fulham, will begin officially on July 1 after his contract with Qatari side Al-Gharafa SC expires. He has signed a three-year contract at Bramall Lane to succeed former boss Chris Wilder, who left by mutual consent in March.
“In general I know this team and these players,” Jokanović said.
“Chris made a fantastic job with this team for Sheffield United. A lot of the time this team played the same shape and found the benefits from working with Chris.
“What is really important for me in taking the decision to come to Sheffield is the group of the players. They have power and speed and aggression and, on our side,, the staff can give them instructions and knowledge and improvement to be competitive and be serious candidates to be fighting for the promotion places.”
Jokanović saw United’s players up close during his time at Fulham, when his side came to Bramall Lane and returned to London with the points after a remarkable 5-4 win which set them on the path to promotion via the play-offs.
“What I know and remember about Sheffield United and about this group of players, they are brave, they defend the colours of the club and they can compete,” the Serb added.
“Being relegated means it wasn't a good year but 12 months before the same team with Chris finished ninth in the league. So the quality definitely exists.”