Sheffield United’s players with no cause to moan, insists Chris Wilder

Wilder has told his players to be ready for whatever presents itself as the authorities look for ways to resume the 2019-20 season.

“Players have got to keep themselves going, do they get the white flag out?” said Wilder. “I had a situation at Northampton (when he was manager) where players were not getting paid, you can’t feel sorry for yourself.

“They’re young healthy boys with a strong mentality. Without getting too historic or political about it, people have gone to war and have got on with it. Lads aren’t in a one-bed flat with three or four people flying around, they’re well paid with loads of entertainment. We should be the last people to moan and groan about anything.”

The Premier League and the Blades want the campaign completed if the coronavirus allows.

Complications around mass gatherings, contracts and the knock-on effect for next season means if matches are played, they are likely to be behind closed doors and condensed.

In some respects, that could disadvantage Wilder’s squad, which does not have the depth of some of its rivals for European qualification, and was due to play Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton and Arsenal (in the FA Cup quarter-final) at Bramall Lane. But the Blades’ fitness has been a key factor this season.

“It’s important just to get the games completed and get some good news out there,” said Wilder. “I’ve heard a few people moan and groan about having to play two games a week, but Liverpool have done that for about three years. So have (Manchester) City and Wolves.

“They get paid very well to get themselves out on the pitch. If it’s two games a week, we did that in the Championship. They’ve got the best facilities and the recovery, nutrition, sports science and attention to detail gives players an opportunity of going Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday.

“If it’s two or three weeks’ pre-season and five weeks’ season, there are no international breaks needed, why not? If it’s at a neutral venue, why not? As long as we get out there and give people a focus.”

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