Former English professional football player and manager, Wayne Rooney, has broken his silence following his dismissal as the manager of Birmingham City.
The announcement of Rooney’s sacking was made by Birmingham City on Tuesday through its official website, citing the decision as a result of his failure to meet performance expectations.
Rooney reacting to the sacking said that he believes he should have been given more time to make the necessary changes as the manager of Birmingham City.
He acknowledged that football is a results-oriented business, but emphasized that the 13 weeks he had at the helm were insufficient to implement the required transformations.
In a statement released on his X account after his departure was confirmed Rooney said, “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.
“Personally, it will take me 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.”
Rooney, appointed as Birmingham manager on October 11, was the first managerial selection by the new owner, Tom Wagner, and his Knighthead Capital Management Group.
However, the team’s performance under Rooney saw nine losses in the 15 matches played since his appointment, leaving Birmingham City in the 20th position on the Championship table.