The former Manchester United icon has fired a warning to his new players after enduring a difficult winless start.
Following his team’s third straight loss while leading Birmingham City, Wayne Rooney has given his teammates a rallying call. In his most recent coaching position, the former England captain acknowledged that “people are scared of change” after his team went winless in his first game in charge. He also felt that the players “must believe in themselves more” in order to return to winning ways.
Following his dismal tenure as the head coach of MLS team DC United, Rooney’s appointment to Birmingham was closely watched. The squad finished the first season at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and missed the playoffs both of the two seasons they were in charge.
In place of well-liked coach John Eustace, the 37-year-old departed the team after deciding to “part ways,” as said in a statement from the organisation. After leading Birmingham to sixth place in the Championship and helping the team avoid relegation the previous season, Eustace was controversially removed of his responsibilities to make room for Rooney.
The former Manchester United legend was appointed in a prominent position, but the outcomes haven’t been in his favour. Prior to Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Southampton, the team fell to Hull City and the in-form Middlesbrough when he was in charge.
Speaking following the Southampton loss, Rooney says he is aware of the criticism directed at him since his arrival. “I understand the fans’ annoyance because John Eustace stabilised the team, did a fantastic job, and we finished in sixth place,” Rooney conceded. “Yet it will require time, and Southampton is a prime example. Russell Martin plays in a style that is obviously comparable to mine.”
Rooney continued by saying that the team needs more time to get used to his new demands and strategies. Additionally, the former striker thinks that his team’s players might be afraid to make the required adjustments in order to start winning games.
He continued, “It takes time to instill that confidence in the players to do that.” “I’m calm and patient, and it will appear. However, we must make progress. Naturally, winning games also helps. What I’m requesting is a significant adjustment both physically and tactically. They need to be much more in shape.
“The guys have been excellent, using the knowledge to accomplish my goals. Perhaps the players feel uncomfortable with what I’m asking of them. They need to have more self-confidence. People can occasionally be afraid of change or of thinking creatively.
When Birmingham plays Ipswich Town on Saturday, November 4, Rooney and the team will be looking to pick up some much-needed points. With Ipswich presently sitting second in the table after winning their past four games and suffering just one loss all season, Rooney will have yet another challenging assignment in this match.
Leave a Reply