Exclusive: Rubén Sellés Reveals Secret Weapon Behind Sheffield United’s Championship Push

Ruben Selles, Sheffield United’s new manager, has revealed one of the secret weapons of his coaching armoury, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Unveiled as Chris Wilder’s successor earlier this summer, the Spaniard is applying the finishing touches to what appears set to be a major overhaul of the club’s tactical approach ahead of the forthcoming campaign.

Despite describing himself as a “demanding” leader who requires “total commitment” from players, Selles told SportsBoom.com that one aspect of his 'modus operandi' might come as a surprise to outsiders.

“I like to give people time off,” he explained. 

“That is something I think is vitally important - as important, for me, as the time we spend here."

“I ask a lot of people. There is nothing wrong with that. When we are at work, we are at work and everything has to be focused on being the very best that we can be. It is demanding and it is hard. I make no apologies or excuses for that."

“But when you are at work, it is important that you make that time count. In order to do that, you have to be clear and ready. That’s where the time off is important.”

“I like to give my players plenty of days off,” Selles continued. 

“We are all adults. We know how to behave and how to look after ourselves. We know what is expected of us and the standards we must set."

“So that is the faith I put in my players, that they do the right things when they are not here at the club. We are all professionals and we know what that means."

“I am demanding and there is nothing wrong with being demanding. But I want players to be mentally ready as well, which is why they also need time off."

“But that does not mean we don’t work as hard as anyone else. If you think otherwise, that would be a mistake.”

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Beaten in last season’s Championship play-off final, United’s owners COH Sports handed Selles the task of restoring the team’s Premier League status after deciding to part company with his hugely popular predecessor Wilder.

Previously of Hull City, the 42-year-old has also worked at Reading and Southampton after honing his skills in countries including Denmark, Greece and Russia.

United begin their latest assault on promotion against Bristol City, who they overcame to reach Wembley, on August 9th before facing Birmingham City in the EFL Cup.

By then, Selles will hope his squad is beginning to get to grips with a style of football which places a heavy emphasis on pressing and stretching the opposition.

“We have plenty of work to do but I am already seeing good things,” he said. 

“That is because of the work we are putting in and because we are getting to know each other. We understand what we all want and that process must continue."

“We continue to work hard every single day we are here. That is why, like I say, I give people lots of time off because it helps with that. I demand a lot but I think it is in a good way, that people like."

“I have trust in my players and the people around me.”