Multiple experts believe that Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder and not Jurgen Klopp should be handed the Manager of the Year award for the 2019-20 season.
Jurgen Klopp is about to deliver Liverpool’s first-ever Premier League title and the German has already scooped up multiple Manager of the Month awards this campaign so it would be befitting if he was given the ultimate prize as well.
But according to Arsenal legend Lee Dixon, it’s the Sheffield United boss who deserves the accolades since he’s done a better job than Jurgen Klopp.
Dixon said, as quoted: “Arguably he has done a better job than what Jurgen Klopp is doing.
“That place just seems to breathe hard work, that’s a given, you’ve got to give that. It’s not something you turn around and get praised for because that’s your job: work hard.
“The way that they are playing, the tactics, he has surprised a lot of opposition, the way they are playing. So arguably, I think he should be up there at the top of that list.”
Former Sheffield United striker Brian Deane also believes that Chris Wilder should be the Manager of the Year.
“The job that Chris has done is unbelievable, his man-management has been nothing short of fantastic,” Deane told Sky Sports News.
“Jurgen Klopp is an amazing manager, but I have to say if you think about the job that Chris has actually done – getting promoted and where the team are challenging – for me there’s only one person who can get that award.
Chris Wilder has revealed that he pins up media criticism of his #sufc side on the dressing room wall to enhance his players’ motivation to prove their critics wrong.
A manager who has tapped into sports psychology and not just tactics. pic.twitter.com/tUq2KLAlIS
— Premier League Panel (@PremLeaguePanel) February 9, 2020
“A lot of the players he has now have played in league one. The players have bought into his ideals and he has put Sheffield back on the map.”
VERDICT:
Chris Wilder has done a mammoth job at Sheffield United since taking over the side three years ago when the Blades were still in League One.
And in their first season since returning back to the top division, the club are already aiming for a Champions League spot as they are currently fifth on the Premier League spot, just two points off the fourth spot.
Yes, Jurgen Klopp has done a fantastic job at Liverpool and it will be a tremendous thing when the Anfield outfit lift the Premier League trophy. But Liverpool’s personal glory should not undermine the work that Chris Wilder has done at Bramall Lane – picking the Blades up from League One and bringing them on the brink of Champions League football in such a short span of time.
