West Brom boss Slaven Bilic has defended Chris Wilder after he was labelled as “selfish” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. The Sheffield United boss has been embroiled in a war of words over the Premier League’s refusal to allow five substitutions this season. Whilst those at the bottom believe there is a clear advantage to have only three substitutes, Bilic has taken a diplomatic view by insisting every club looks after their best interests and believe the authorities should make the definitive decision on the ruling.
Slaven Bilic said “We’re all selfish. It’s not selfish in a negative way, You have a job, it’s your responsibility to do the job and part of that is finding ways to suit your team and how they can affect your club better. Klopp is also selfish, he’s looking at it from his point of view, or the big clubs – he’s not the only one of course. He’s very vocal, and I respect him for that. He’s not hiding, he has his opinion. At the same time, I agree with Chris Wilder – we’re looking at what is best for us. the difference between three subs and five subs when we play those sides is our advantage, against those big clubs. Scott Parker said it best – the decision should be made by the authorities, by the Premier League or the FA. Maybe I’m not going to agree with it, but I’d have to go along with it. We all want to protect the players. It’s not like Chris Wilder – and it’s a paradox because Chris Wilder can’t afford injuries because he doesn’t have a massive squad – doesn’t care about the welfare of the players. He cares a lot, but when he puts on the scales what is important, and what is giving his team a better position, it’s three subs definitely. It’s the kind of decision that shouldn’t be left to us, it should’ve been down to the authorities.”
