Sheffield United ace Sander Berge praises staff who would ‘die for the club’, hails ‘unique’ Chris Wilder, and reveals his best lesson with the Blades
It’s been a tough start to the Premier League campaign for Sheffield United and it isn’t getting any easier with Man City up next – live on talkSPORT at 12:30pm.
With one point from their opening six games, it’s feared another case of second season syndrome might be confirmed.
But not so fast, this Blades squad has been forged under special conditions and their steel is unquestionable under manager Chris Wilder.
Midfielder Sander Berge hasn’t even been at the club for a year yet but already he knows United have been cast to ride out these storms.
Defeats have been slim this season, despite there being five of them, and they gave Liverpool a battle when they lost 2-1 last time out.
And the club’s Norwegian ace reckons the spirit of those in the Steel City who work in and around the club are helping them remain close knit and ready to fight for Premier League survival.
Asked about the mentality around the team, Berge told talkSPORT: “Oh, that’s special. I mean, like, everybody in and around the training ground or at the stadium, they would die for the club and you feel that such a passionate group of players, staff, or people working in and out of the club. It’s unique, you know.
“That’s the hardworking mentality we bring into games too. We’re always united. It’s a special mentality. We’re such a collective team in bad and good periods. We always stick together. That’s the important thing now so we can start winning games.”
Coach Wilder has certainly proved a fascinating new addition to the managerial ranks of the English top-flight,.
Smart, forthright, and good humoured, it appears he’s already had an excellent affect on 22-year-old Berge, who made the leap from Genk in January last season.
“He’s a special character,” admitted the Norway international. “Different to ones I have had before but in a very good way.
“He’s such an intelligent man, how he speaks about football, he’s knows the values at the end of it. You have to have good technique. You have to be in good physical shape and he puts it all together.
“His mindset and his mentality is something I’ve never experienced and he brings this team together and makes us feel so alive.
“In those terms he is very good and all the belief and faith he has shown in me as a young guy coming in, giving me all the game time. He’s never rushed anything. I’ve been able to fail and then keep on pushing and by the time you learn by all the mistakes, you become better.”
Moving to Bramall Lane from Belgian side Genk has it’s own teething issues, especially for a youngster like Berge.
Club captain Bill Sharp, though, has been instrumental in helping him find his feet and get a grip with the many accents of the United Kingdom around the dressing room.
The forward taught him some Yorkshire phrases to help him get through, something Berge is grateful for.
He said: “To be honest, that was the best lesson I had but I haven’t learnt anything since.
“Well, I have probably picked up some bits here and there but it’s more like Irish, Scottish, and the guys from Liverpool.
“It’s some sort of weird mix of everything.”
Even if the lingo is hard to comprehend, he’s clearly got a great understanding with his teammates on the pitch.
You can listen to Sheffield United v Man City, live on talkSPORT at 12:30pm
October 31, 2020 at 04:29PM Premier League Football Fixtures and Results - talkSPORT https://talksport.com
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