Wilder on staying up, Brereton Diaz and Luton
- Published
Marissa Thomas, BBC Sport
Chris Wilder has been speaking to the media before their crucial match against Luton Town on Saturday.
Here are the main lines from his news conference:
He maintains his belief the Blades can stay in the Premier League: "I never give up hope. Even if the league table says that's us done and dusted, there is always something to play for. There's no hiding place - it's the Premier League and it's broadcast worldwide."
He was asked for his comments on VAR after a senior Premier League official called it "a poor experience for fans": "We're all in the same boat in terms of the length of decisions that are being made. Everybody wants them to be quickened up and tidied up. We've all been pro VAR when the results are right in your favour and anti VAR when they go against you.
Ben Brereton Diaz has impressed the boss since arriving from Villareal in January: "Ben has been a super signing for us. He has been fabulous to work with off the pitch, fabulous on the training ground and he has delivered assists, goals and performances. Hopefully, he can kick on and keep producing those performances."
On the availability of keeper Ivo Grbic after he sustained a concussion against Crystal Palace: "He will miss out by one day so it seems that's the way things are going at the moment so we have to deal with that. It's a miss for us of course but whoever plays in goal will come in and do a good job for us."
On relegation rivals Luton: "The next game is on Saturday against an in-form team that are doing fabulously well so the narrative will be how well they're doing as a promoted side and how poor we are at the moment. We have to understand that and we have to accept it. They've got on a roll and confidence is a huge thing."
Despite Luton's form, Wilder is not overstating their ability: "They're not ninth, not eighth or seventh or sixth, they're still in and around it - but the have got more points than us. Rob [Edwards] is a smart guy and he has done a great job in carrying Luton forward and they have got momentum, belief and confidence. That will make them a team that's expected to win on Saturday."
