Despite coming head to head later tonight, both Liverpool and Sheffield United fans appear to have found something to unite them.
As Chris Wilder prepares his team for a tough Anfield tie this evening, the Blades boss appears to be using some unconventional training methods.
Indeed, a video released by the club’s official Twitter account shows the Sheffield United squad being put through their paces in the famous Stanley Park in Liverpool.
Just trying to do an activation session in peace 🙄😂#SUFC 🔴https://t.co/YCgPgp9LIo
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) January 2, 2020
The park separates both Anfield and Goodison Park. It’s a renowned name in English football thanks to the history associated with both Merseyside clubs. However, it’s very rare in modern football to see a team train there.
Rather funnily in the clip, a dog comes along and does its ‘business’ on some of the training cones, much to the amusement of the Blades squad.
But aside from the obvious amusement, the clip has gained plenty of reaction. Indeed, both Liverpool and Sheffield United fans seem to be impressed with Wilder’s tactics.
Wilder is often lauded for his tactical innovation. However, he still sticks by plenty of old-school values. Those values appear to be firmly on display here.
It’s safe to say that the mini-training session ahead of tonight’s Anfield showdown has gone down well amongst both sets of supporters.
Love this 🤣
— ⚔ Blades1889 ⚔ (@Blades1889_com) January 2, 2020
https://twitter.com/stuartw1980/status/1212701643147554816
🤣🤣 brilliant
— CHAMP19NS (@RowdsDG) January 2, 2020
Class that 👏👏👏👏
— BHHWLFC6X&19* (@markh096) January 2, 2020
Love this, @SheffieldUnited proper club
— Portland Toffee (@PortlandToffee) January 2, 2020
Our view
This is just a small sample of what makes Sheffield United the club they are at the moment. Chris Wilder is full of modern ideas and tactical ideology, but there’s nothing wrong with keeping your squads feet on the ground.
Chris Wilder has taken his Sheffield United team training on Stanley Park. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
That’s all he is doing here. He’s showing his team that despite being a Premier League team, nothing beats hard work and graft.
For all the plaudits the Blades have had, nobody can deny their put the work in. Wilder will, therefore, be hoping for fine margins like this to make a difference for his squad.