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Phil Parkinson says his Wrexham squad showed more grit and intensity when they were competing in the National League, following their 1–0 loss to Sheffield United in the Championship.
The Red Dragons have now suffered three defeats in their last four league outings and have claimed only three victories in the Championship throughout the entire campaign. Their visit to Bramall Lane also represented the second straight match in which they registered just one shot on target, marking the fourth occasion that has occurred across their seven away fixtures this season.
Wrexham are struggling for goals, with last season's leading scorer Josh Windass currently out with an injury. Attacking teammates Callum O'Hare and Nathan Broadhead have also been absent, yet Parkinson does not feel those missing players are sufficient justification for his team's latest uninspiring showing.
Wrexham were also culpable for conceding another cheap goal, with Jordan Ayew turning to create a shooting opportunity before Ben Brereton Díaz netted the game's only strike. The visitors came up short in crucial moments at both ends of the field, but while Parkinson was disappointed by the lack of quality in both penalty areas, he felt the loss ultimately boiled down to a lack of fighting spirit from his squad.
Wrexham Missing Fighting Spirit
Wrexham claimed victory in both league encounters with Sheffield United last season and also held the Blades to a draw when the two clubs met in the FA Cup as National League sides back in January 2023.
It was during that initial promotion-winning season that the foundations were laid for Wrexham's remarkable ascent through the divisions, culminating in an extraordinary three back-to-back promotions. Although the club has benefited from considerable financial investment during Parkinson's tenure, much of its achievement has been rooted in hard work and team unity — qualities that made them competitive against virtually any opposition.
Sustaining those standards becomes progressively harder as a club advances up the football pyramid and the caliber of opponents rises. Wrexham now require greater individual talent, but there is a risk that some of that ability has come at the cost of the core principles Parkinson holds in such high regard.
That certainly seemed to be the case on Friday, with the Wrexham boss questioning his players' hunger after they were comfortably beaten by Sheffield United.
"First half, we were way off it," he told Sports Illustrated after the defeat. "I just said to the lads in there, we played Sheffield United when we were in the National League, at home, 3–3 in the [FA] Cup, went toe-to-toe with a top Championship team, top of the table. Came here 10 days later, everyone thought we had our chance and we'd get beat four or five, we went toe-to-toe with them again. Missed a penalty, put in an unbelievable performance.
"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.
"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."
While the nature of the goal will be a source of frustration for Parkinson, the Wrexham manager seemed more troubled by the lack of drive and commitment from certain members of his squad.
He continued: "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 also minimized the significance of his side's tactical setup, arguing that determination and work rate were far more critical attributes for clubs aiming to secure promotion to the Premier League.
"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."