Ruben Selles has been appointed as head coach of Sheffield United. This will be a big change in leadership for the offense. Selles, who previously managed Hull City and Southampton, brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision aimed at revitalizing the club’s fortunes in the upcoming season. He takes over from Chris Wilder, who walked away from his post after a dismal return.
Selles, a man with a colorful personal aesthetic, expresses his love for family and more specifically, the beauty of his personal narrative through tattoos that decorate his body. His ink runs all the way up to both elbows, where blue stars represent his two kids. A crown he tattooed on his wrist tells the world about his wife and his devotion to her. On his reverse, a portrait of the lion declares unmistakably his artistic integrity. When I created my tattoos, I would like to continue creating more in the short term. I really want to spend the time to make something that’s really impactful,” Selles said. He explained just how powerful these symbols have been in his life.
The 41-year-old tactician is said to have enjoyed ups and downs on his coaching trail so far, ranging from Scotland through the Netherlands to Germany. His tenure at Southampton lasted from February to May 2023, and he spent five months at Hull City before being dismissed after narrowly avoiding relegation on the final day. Though these hardships would leave any manager disheartened, Selles is still looking positively towards his tenure with Sheffield United.
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Selles emphasized the need for a high level of performance throughout the year. “It’s ruthless and you need to be able to keep that level for full nine months or 10, almost 11, if you go to the play-offs,” he remarked, underscoring the demanding nature of football management.
Selles, who will formally start working with players at Sheffield United from early next week when the Blades start their pre-season training, will inherit an interesting setup. He plans to take the squad to a warm-weather camp in Spain, a strategic move that will allow the team to bond and prepare without the pressure of scheduled matches.
The new permanent manager is intent on successful high-profile additions to further bolster an already excellent squad, with midfielder Gustavo Hamer specifically targeted. “I want him to be a Sheffield United player when the market closes,” Selles declared, indicating his commitment to building a competitive team.
Additionally, Selles knows just how tough the road ahead will be in what is arguably football’s most competitive league. “Expect a very difficult competition this year, but we expect my team to be very difficult to beat this year,” he added, setting a tone of resilience and determination for the season.
A lone Selles reflected on where he has been. He understood the colossal burdens of expectation that accompanied a manager’s job in that impatient and toxic milieu. “I know what the pressure means and I’m really happy to be able to have that pressure here,” he stated, demonstrating his readiness to embrace the challenges that accompany his new role.
The coach’s journey has taken him across Europe, which he believes has equipped him with unique insights into different football cultures and styles. From all these experiences, he knows that success only comes with a proactive and courageous attitude. “The first thing that I learned is that I need to make things happen. I cannot wait,” he said, emphasizing his proactive approach to management.
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