Wayne Rooney has revealed that thirteen (13) weeks was not enough to bring the changes needed at Birmingham City to fruition.
Rooney was sacked as the manager of Birmingham on Tuesday (today) following a three nil loss to Leeds United at Elland Road on Monday.
The defeat leaves the side 20th on the log with 28 points after 26 games – six points off the relegation zone.
He joined the Blues on October 11, 2023 after signing a three and a half year contract – and led the team in 15 games, however, he recorded only two wins, leading to his dismissal.
Recall that Birmingham were sixth on the standings before Rooney took over from John Eustace.
Meanwhile, the former English international has disclosed that his time at St. Andrew’s was not enough to implement his philosophy.
“I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club. Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be.
“However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed,” he disclosed in a statement after the sack.
The former D.C. United manager added: “Personally, it will take some time to get over this setback. I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16. Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager. Finally, I wish Birmingham City FC and its owners my best wishes in the pursuit of their ambitions.”
Prior to his time at Birmingham City, Rooney had managed Derby County and D.C. United.
While in search of a new gaffer, Birmingham will now turn their attention to their FA Cup third round tie against Hull City at MKM Stadium on Saturday.
