Birmingham dressing room 'leak' reveals what the squad really thought of Wayne Rooney before his sacking

Birmingham City dressing room leaks have reportedly revealed what the players really thought of Wayne Rooney.

Back in October, former England and Manchester United forward Rooney was confirmed as Birmingham manager after he left MLS side DC United.

At the time, the decision to remove John Eustace to appoint Rooney did not go down well and the negativity continued after a dreadful start under the 38-year-old.

During Monday’s 3-0 defeat against Leeds United, Birmingham fans made their feeling clear as they directed brutal chants at Rooney.

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that Rooney has been sacked by the Blues after just 15 matches at the helm.

Now, what the players really thought of Rooney has reportedly been revealed.

According to The Athletic, who stated: “Rooney wasn’t unpopular with his players, despite the results and some strong public criticism of them from the manager.

“Rooney had occasionally questioned his squad’s mental strength, ability and even personal pride — comments which had stung a few of them.”

The report also stated that Rooney was not too hands-on during training sessions.

Most of the work was led by his assistants Carl Robinson and John O’Shea, whilst Ashley Cole mainly took charge of set pieces.

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After his dismissal, 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.”

His statement continued: “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.”