Wayne Rooney’s disastrous 84-day spell at Birmingham leaves players relieved after soft approach leads to sacking

Introduction

Wayne Rooney’s management tenure at Birmingham has come to a disappointing end, with the former England captain failing to make an impact on the team’s performance. In his short time as manager, Rooney struggled to assert his authority and implement the front-foot football that was promised.

Rooney’s Soft Approach

Despite his fiery reputation as a player, Wayne Rooney opted for a more measured and calm approach as manager of Birmingham. This stark contrast in behavior did not yield the desired results, ultimately leading to his dismissal.

Lack of Authority

Rooney’s failure to stamp his authority on the team became apparent as the defeats continued to mount. His reluctance to travel with the team to away games and his lack of focus on team shape and specific patterns of playing led to a decrease in respect from players and staff.

Failed Promises

The front-foot football that was promised following Rooney’s appointment never materialized. Despite an emphasis on playing out from the back, the change in philosophy led to poor results on the pitch, leaving fans and the club’s management disappointed.

Departure and Future Prospects

With Rooney’s sacking announced, Birmingham is now on the lookout for yet another manager. As for Rooney, attention turns to his next move in the world of management. Meanwhile, the club faces the challenge of pulling itself out of a relegation fight, a far cry from the promotion charge that was initially anticipated.