Wayne Rooney explains star’s absence and the fitness complaint at Birmingham City

Wayne Rooney thinks Birmingham City is in a great position right now because of the international break.

Yesterday, Sunderland defeated Blues on the road for the sixth time in a row. Rooney, who has managed just one point in five games since taking over for John Eustace, has overseen three of those losses.

The manager has found it difficult to sustain the new pressing, attack-oriented playing style while still maintaining results. Rooney will spend two continuous weeks on the training field to remedy the Blues’ low level of fitness, which he has lamented during his first month on the team.

Rooney remarked, “I think the break has come at a good time for us.” “It’s an opportunity for the players to work on their fitness really well before a demanding three or four months.”

“Though we can’t just keep saying that we’re seeing improvements—we also need to start noticing results.” The way I want my squad to play, the fitness work is really crucial.

Rooney emphasized that neither the club’s current fitness staff nor his predecessor Eustace are to blame for the problem.

“Neither the old manager nor the fitness coaches are involved in this. Their previous style of play was entirely different and entailed a lot of sitting back. Now, I’m expecting the players to press high and be front-footed; this requires a different level of fitness because it’s incredibly demanding and hard work.

Emanuel Aiwu has lately replaced Kevin Long in the starting lineup, and the Irishman did not make the trip to the Stadium of Light. After the fact, Rooney attested to Long’s injury. “He wasn’t available because he injured his calf and hasn’t been able to train for a few days.”