Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom has revealed that his Blades side had Sunday off after their 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, warning the players could have 'emotional fatigue.'
The Yorkshire side sit second in the Championship and are into the FA Cup quarter-final, but have dipped in form as of late and are just four points ahead of third place Middlesbrough.
Michael Carrick's Boro beat Reading 5-0 on Saturday and Paul Ince's men host the Blades tomorrow.
Speaking to the Sheffield Star after the defeat at Ewood Park, Heckingbottom admitted: "There could be emotional fatigue. But that’s something we’ve got to cope with. Especially at this stage."
In order to try and stave off fatigue, the players had a rest day on Sunday.
“They were all due to be in (on Sunday) but I’ve given them the day off.
"We’ve been together so much recently, day after day after day, and I want them to have a chance to forget all about football and spend it with their families or their friends.
“I don’t want them coming in at all. It’s as much for me as them. Because when I speak to the lads next, I want there to be real clarity. That’s important.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here