Blades manager, Chris Wilder, has said there is no thought of qualifying for Europe despite seeing his side win three on the bounce.
Chris Wilder says the Blades focus is not on Europe just yet. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
This weekend’s win over Brighton made it nine unbeaten on the road this season. With Manchester City and Liverpool up next away from home, that record is set to be severely tested.
As usual, the Blades boss is focussed on ensuring his team are ready for such trips. In doing so, he has moved to distance any talk of the club qualifying for Europe.
“It is ludicrous because the season isn’t over after 18 games. It’s an accumulation of points. On to the next one, can we keep it going?,” Wilder said (Daily Mail).
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‘We’ve had some decent runs including one defeat in eight or nine. Which is good going for a club in the Premier League and one that was written off to be down by Christmas.”
This weekend’s win at Brighton had fans singing about ‘going to Napoli’. Of course, it’s half tongue-in-cheek. However, if the Blades can continue their form it might not seem too silly after all.
Not one to dwell
As usual, Chris Wilder is not resting on his laurels. The focus, as always, is on the next game for Sheffield United and their manager.
Furthermore, Wilder has insisted that while the away record is good, his focus is on thing only.
“The away record has been fabulous and now it’s onto Watford on Boxing Day,” Wilder added.
The Blades play Watford at Bramall Lane next time out. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
A win for the Blades at home against the Hornets would put them above 30 points before 2020. With most clubs targeting the magic 40 points mark in a season, having 31 at this stage would more or less guarantee their safety.
Can the Blades really make it into Europe?
In the most optimistic of terms, why not?
Wolves have done it last year. Other clubs have done well in the past following promotion. Indeed, it’s not too long ago we saw an unfancied Ipswich Town side finish fifth in the Premier League.
Chris Wilder will keep playing it down, but Blades fans can keep dreaming of Europe for the immediate future at least.
