Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Wayne Rooney, Football
Nasir Jabbar
Wayne Rooney has a list of 'non-negotiables' that all his players must follow in wake of Plymouth's crushing 4-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.
Rooney's side were thrashed by Danny Rohl's Wednesday, who ran out 4-0 winners at Hillsborough on Sunday.
Jamal Lowe opened the scoring before the break as the hosts added three goals in the second-half.
Brendan Galloway (own-goal), Josh Windass and Michael Smith all got on the score-sheet.
His team struggled to defend against a Wednesday side that created a host of chances.
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It's a rough start for Rooney, who returned to the dugout following his dismal spell in charge of Birmingham City.
At Birmingham, the Manchester United legend outlined the 'non-negotiables' that his players must follow, which will be in place at Plymouth.
"I think the boys have bought into what I want to do and how I want to play. I always want my teams to be intense, to be front-footed and to try and win the ball back up high. Nothing crazy - not a stupid press - but a more calculated press. When we press, we press as a team and we have to be aggressive," he explained.
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"With the ball, we want to keep it and make it difficult for opponents. Ultimately, the basics of the game - tackling, running, the mentals - all have to be there. They’re all non-negotiables with the players.
"On top of that, it’s all about the feeling, especially with the attacking players, to go and express themselves and be exciting. That’s what the fans want to see, that’s what I want to see, and hopefully that’ll help us."
Plymouth return to action on Tuesday when they host Cheltenham in the first round of the EFL Cup, before resuming their Championship campaign on Saturday against Hull City.