Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United and England legend, is on the verge of taking charge of his first game as the new Plymouth Argyle boss. His debut will be against Sheffield Wednesday this Sunday. Although he is yet to manage his first official game, Rooney has already made a significant impact on the team during pre-season training.
Early Impressions in Pre-Season
Rooney’s influence on the squad has been noticeable, with players and staff expressing admiration for his approach. One such player is 23-year-old midfielder Adam Randell, who is still coming to terms with the fact that he is being coached by one of football’s biggest names.
“There are times I will find myself saying ‘Oh my God!’ when he does something in training,” Randell told The Daily Mail. “It’s all surreal. I never thought that he would come down here, but now he is here, I want to learn as much as I can from him.”
Randell further shared that Rooney often drops names or tells stories from his illustrious career, reminding everyone of the level he once played at. However, it’s not just Rooney’s past achievements that have caught the players’ attention; his tactical acumen and approachability have made a strong impression on the squad.
Tactical Focus and Approachability
Rooney’s tactical understanding of the game is something that has stood out to the players. He is not just a former footballer who is riding on his past glory; he is deeply invested in the tactical side of coaching and is always open to discussions with his players.
“He’s so into the tactical side of things and he is more than happy to have a conversation with you. He’s so approachable,” Randell added, highlighting Rooney’s hands-on approach to management.
High Praise from Plymouth’s Director of Football
Neil Dewsnip, Plymouth’s Director of Football, has also been full of praise for Rooney’s people skills and the way he has integrated himself into the club. Dewsnip emphasized the respect Rooney commands, not just because of his playing career but also due to his personal qualities as a coach.
“He’s got great people skills and that’s important to us. The squad have taken to him incredibly well. They obviously respect him for what he was as a player, one of the best three of his generation — you don’t need me to say the names of the other two,” Dewsnip said, indirectly referencing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
However, Dewsnip was quick to point out that respect as a coach must be earned, and Rooney has done just that by demonstrating his excellent communication skills and his ability to connect with players on a personal level.
“I don’t think he’s realized yet how powerful he is with his words,” Dewsnip concluded.
As Wayne Rooney prepares for his managerial debut with Plymouth Argyle, it’s clear that he has already begun to make a mark on the club. His tactical knowledge, approachability, and communication skills have won over both players and staff alike. As he steps onto the sidelines for his first match against Sheffield Wednesday, all eyes will be on how he translates these early pre-season impressions into results on the pitch.