Wayne Rooney insists he does not take criticism personally amid growing frustration from Plymouth Argyle fans over the team’s poor recent run of results.
Pressure has been mounting on Rooney with the former England captain’s side currently bottom of the Championship table following a 2-0 defeat to Oxford United on Sunday.
Argyle have lost six and drawn three of their last nine games, leading to a section of the fans chanting for Rooney to be sacked during the game with Oxford.
Rooney’s reaction to today’s defeat.
In partnership with @TheTurmericCo.
— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) December 29, 2024
However, the 39-year-old says the criticism does not affect him and he believes he can turn the team’s fortunes around.
“When you’re losing games as we’re losing them, that frustration is there so I get it and I don’t take it personally,” Rooney told the BBC.
“I think the criticism is normal with the results we’re going through.
“You have to feel that you can turn it around. I’m going to go back, watch the game back, evaluate the game and prepare for Bristol [City].
“I understand [the fans’ reaction], I’ve been there myself when I was young and I’ve been there as a fan when you want to see your team win.”
Rooney was appointed Plymouth head coach back in May, following the dismissal of Ian Foster, but the ex-Manchester United player has endured a difficult time in England’s second tier this term.
The Pilgrims have won just four Championship games all season, drawing six, losing 13 and conceding 51 league goals in the process.
Asked if he felt safe in his job was safe, Rooney said: “That’s a question for the board. I understand how football works so all I can do is keep trying to work as hard as I can.
“For all of us, we’re trying to do the right things and help us win games — unfortunately that hasn’t been the case over the last few weeks.”
