Wrexham lost 1-0 to Sheffield United in the Championship at Bramall Lane on Friday. After the defeat, Phil Parkinson questioned his players' consistent effort level and desire.
How the match was decided
Ben Brereton Díaz scored the only goal of the game. Jordan Ayew turned to get a shot away before Ben Brereton Díaz scored the only goal of the game.
Parkinson's verdict
Parkinson told Sports Illustrated after the loss: "First half, we were way off it."
He said: "We were a lot lesser team, we did a lot better against a better side. We’ve got to look at reasons for that. In that first period, we were second to the duels, we were slow on the ball. Our intensity levels were not where they needed to be. Second half, we did loads better, but whatever system you play, whatever personnel you play, the team has got to represent the town in the way it has done the majority of the last five years."
He said: "I think this season, we’ve had some really, really good performances, but I just said to the lads in the dressing room that I don’t feel we have got the consistent level of effort level and desire every week. That is what our fans are used to seeing."
He added: "I am honest and I review myself. You can say we should have done this or should have done that, but it is not about that. It is about making sure it is 11 vs. 11 out there. If your teammate is having a bad day, go and help him, or go and spring back for one of your teammates. So while we are suffering in the game as a team, we show a resilience to come through it. We didn’t show that enough tonight. We have got to be frustrated with the performance."
Parkinson said the absences of Josh Windass, Callum O’Hare and Nathan Broadhead were not enough to excuse Wrexham's performance.
League run
Wrexham have lost three of their last four league matches and have won just three times in the Championship all season. This was also the second consecutive game in which they managed just one shot on target.
It was the fourth time in Wrexham's seven away matches this season that they managed just one shot on target.
Recent meetings with Sheffield United
Wrexham won both league meetings with Sheffield United last season. Wrexham also held Sheffield United to a draw when the teams met in the FA Cup in January 2023.
Parkinson said: "It’s a tough ... a very tough league. If you watch a lot of games in the Championship, people think it’s really tactical. It actually isn’t that tactical. It’s about being ready for every game. A lot of the games are quite direct, the ball goes from back-to-front quickly, set-plays are key. If one team has an edge of determination about them, that can be the difference on the day."
