'A great manager' - Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa's regret over departed Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder

Speaking in a pre-match press conference, the Argentine said it was ‘regretful’ Wilder could not attempt to write a new chapter in the club’s history after this season’s relegation.

He told reporters: “I would like to make a recognition to Sheffield United and their manager who produced the team.

"A great manager who produced all of that. I regretted he could not continue his job and he could not attempt a new story with this club, to have got them promoted after dropping back to the Championship.

"Football is very hard when it comes to getting what you deserve.”

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There was also praise for Sean Dyche and Daniel Farke, who led Burnley and Norwich City back into the top flight at the first time of asking following relegation.

Former Chile and Argentina head coach Bielsa continued: “Me as a fan of football, it is what I would have hoped the manager of Sheffield United could have done.”

Similarly to Wilder, who took the Blades from League One to the Premier League in three seasons, Bielsa revived the fortunes of Leeds United and transformed their style of play.

Both teams battled it out for promotion to the top flight in the 2018/19 season, with the Blades coming out on top to grab the second automatic promotion spot behind champions Norwich City.

Leeds have won both of the two teams’ meetings since, however.

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