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Wayne Rooney gives brutal post-match interview after Arsenal defeat, slams MLS chiefs and the referee

Home> Football> MLS

Updated 09:35 20 Jul 2023 GMT+1Published 09:13 20 Jul 2023 GMT+1

Wayne Rooney gives brutal post-match interview after Arsenal defeat, slams MLS chiefs and the referee

Rooney voiced his anger after his side's 5-0 defeat to Arsenal.

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan

Wayne Rooney says he learnt 'absolutely nothing' after watching his MLS All-Stars side get thrashed by Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta's side ran out 5-0 winners in their pre-season friendly at Audi Field in Washington DC on Wednesday.

Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, Jorginho, Gabriel Martinelli and new signing Kai Havertz all scored for Arsenal, as Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber made their debuts for the club.

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But it was a disappointing afternoon for former Manchester United and Everton striker Rooney, who was in charge of the MLS All-Stars side.

Rooney, who is now head coach of MLS club DC United, was unhappy with his side's preparation for the match and the treatment of his staff, voicing his anger in his post-match interview. Watch the video below.

"What did I take out of this game? Absolutely nothing," said Rooney.

"The players only arrived on Monday and I suggested that we have a small-sided game on the Tuesday to get ready for the match.

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"I told them I didn't want them training at the National Mall but that's where we trained and so we couldn't do anything but head tennis.

"We had no time whatsoever to do any tactics so all I could do was put the players out there and hope they could figure things out amongst themselves.

"But that's very difficult against a team like Arsenal who are one of the best sides in Europe and you could see the difference in quality."

Rooney was also unhappy that members of his backroom staff were told to vacate their seats to make room for MLS sponsors.

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"Everything around this game is great publicity for the league, but my staff got kicked out of their seats today by members of Apple," said Rooney.

"I wouldn't be doing my team a service if I didn't mention that because if you're being asked to manage the game with your staff you are expecting them all to have somewhere to sit."

Rooney also went on to criticise the performance of the referee and the level of officiating in the MLS as a whole.

"The game was a bit stop-start because once again the referee made it a bit about himself," added Rooney.

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"That's something I've said all season that needs improving in the MLS so this is a good opportunity for me to bring it up again."

Featured Image Credit: Getty & Beanyman Sports

Topics: Wayne Rooney, Football, Premier League, MLS, Arsenal

Rory O'Callaghan
Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA.

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@rory_ocallaghan

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