Why Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has been taking notes as he watches Bundesliga games

For most of the past month, Chris Wilder has been watching Bayern Munich’s seemingly inexorable march towards a 30th German title on the widescreen television which dominates his lounge at home.
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The Sheffield United manager is obsessed with football. So when the Bundesliga announced it would be returning to action four weeks ago, he ensured his satellite subscriptions were up to date and completed a crash course in the German game. Most English fans, with their own competitions still suspended because of coronavirus, did exactly the same - either via the usual channels or one of those online streaming services few people admit to using but still seem to attract thousands of viewers.

Although he was motivated partly by pleasure, Wilder’s interest was also professional. As the Premier League edged closer to bringing its own season out of mothballs, the 52-year-old wanted to identify any previously unforeseen issues his players might face. And of course, if they can maintain their form, then places like the Allianz Arena might be among United’s destinations next term.

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“I think all of us over here have been watching what’s happened over there quite closely,” Wilder said. “They’re a little bit in front of us and so, in a sense, that might actually be a help for those of us over here in England because we can see what’s going on and react to any problems that might come up.

“Everyone who loves the sport has missed it. So whenever it’s on, because we’ve all gone so long without it, if you can then you’ve probably been tuning in.”

With matches across the continent all taking place behind closed doors, Wilder has been fascinated to discover how teams used to performing inside packed stadia have maintained their usual intensity levels. Initially it proved a challenge for those in the Deutsche Fußball Liga’s flagship tournament. But when their professionalism kicked in, and playing to empty stands became the new normal, Wilder noted a significant upturn in the ferocity of the action.

With United entering Wednesday’s game against Aston Villa knowing a win will move them to within two points of the Champions League qualification positions with only nine matches remaining, he does not envisage his own squad requiring any pep talks.

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“Obviously it’s a bit strange for lads who are used to playing in front of huge crowds,” Wilder continued. “You saw in Germany that they had to get to grips with it. But these are professional players we are talking about and they have professional pride. They’re all really competitive anyway - they wouldn’t be where they are if they weren’t - and so it should really take care of itself.

Bayern Munich's Polish forward Robert Lewandowski scores the 2-1 winning goal during the German Cup (DFB Pokal) semi-final football match FC Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt in Munich, southern Germany on June 10, 2020: KAI PFAFFENBACH/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesBayern Munich's Polish forward Robert Lewandowski scores the 2-1 winning goal during the German Cup (DFB Pokal) semi-final football match FC Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt in Munich, southern Germany on June 10, 2020: KAI PFAFFENBACH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Bayern Munich's Polish forward Robert Lewandowski scores the 2-1 winning goal during the German Cup (DFB Pokal) semi-final football match FC Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt in Munich, southern Germany on June 10, 2020: KAI PFAFFENBACH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

“We’ve given ourselves a serious opportunity to do something really special. It’s one, although there’s no guarantees about anything, I can tell you the lads are determined to do everything they can to take.”

Ends Stevens, the United wing-back, echoed that sentiment. Part of a defence which has conceded fewer goals than all but one of the PL’s 20 teams, he confirmed the importance of being mentally switched on has already been discussed at length in the dressing room.

“We’ve still got a lot to play for,” he said. “We’re confident we can finish strongly. That’s been the attitude of the lads right the way through.”

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It will not have gone unnoticed at Bramall Lane, however, that injuries have been an issue for their counterparts in Germany. Although the initial spike has now receded, sports fitness experts suspect it will begin to climb again when fatigue sets in.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

Home advantage also seems to be a thing of the past, with teams now recording win ratios of a little over 20 per cent during what have become known as geisterspiele - ‘ghost games’ - compared to over 40 per cent before March’s shutdown.

“We were delighted with what the boys did when they were training away from here,” Wilder said, after welcoming his players back to the Steelphalt Academy last month. “They all came back in shape, every single one of them, and that tells you a lot about them I believe.”

“Listen, we know it’s going to be tough. But we’re in professional football, we’re talking about professional athletes, and you just have to get on with it,” he continued. “Everyone is in the same boat.”

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With a number of measures introduced to try and curb the spread of the respiratory disease, United were last week briefed on what to expect when they arrive at Villa Park. Friendlies against Huddersfield Town and Hull City were staged at Bramall Lane to help them prepare in both a physical and psychological sense. But, besides the lack of atmosphere, Wilder’s players will notice a number of other differences too.

A soccer supporter watches the second-division game match between Rayo Vallecano and Albacete  from a balcony in Madrid, Spain, where football has also returned behind closed doors: Manu FernandezA soccer supporter watches the second-division game match between Rayo Vallecano and Albacete  from a balcony in Madrid, Spain, where football has also returned behind closed doors: Manu Fernandez
A soccer supporter watches the second-division game match between Rayo Vallecano and Albacete from a balcony in Madrid, Spain, where football has also returned behind closed doors: Manu Fernandez

Dressing rooms have been reconfigured to promote social distancing and, although they will not be required to wear face masks either when sat on the bench or even travelling to the ground, handshakes will be banned. Post-match interviews, many of which are set to take place via a teleconferencing application, will also be strictly controlled with only prescribed numbers of people allowed in certain areas of a stadium at any one time.

Flags, balls and other equipment must also be subject to a deep clean after use while ball boys and girls are not going to be present until next term at the earliest.

“For me, the teams who just get on with it are going to be the ones who give themselves the best opportunity,” Wilder insisted during a recent discussion with the regional press. “You’ve got to be all in. You’ve got to be totally committed to it.”

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“I come from non-league and a lot of the boys here have come up the hard way if you like as well,” the former Alfreton, Halifax and Oxford chief added. “You find a way. Not everything is perfect. I think that background of why trying to find a way and having to adapt, knowing you can’t always have it perfect, is why this doesn’t faze me. I’m used to it, to be honest.”

Four days after their meeting with Villa, United face Newcastle at St James’ Park before taking part in another away fixture - this time against Manchester United. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson, on loan from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, will sit out that fixture but could reclaim his place when Arsenal face United in the FA Cup quarter-finals on June 28.

“We’re just looking forward to getting back out there,” Wilder said. “All of us. And we’ll be giving it a real ‘go’, putting it all in. The same as we always do.”

Sheffield United's players are committed to returning to action: Ross Kinnaird/Getty ImagesSheffield United's players are committed to returning to action: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
Sheffield United's players are committed to returning to action: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

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