Former Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney is upset with Tom Brady, following the ex-New England Patriots star’s comments about Rooney’s work ethic in a documentary. Rooney expressed his disappointment over what he deemed an "unfair" remark made by Brady, as reported by The Athletic.
The situation arose during Brady’s Amazon Prime documentary "Borting In Birmingham: Brady & The Blues," which aired on August 1, showcasing the Birmingham City Football Club in 2023 after Brady took on a minority ownership role.
In the series, Brady voiced his concerns regarding Rooney’s dedication, stating, "I’m a little worried about the head coach’s work ethic," and added, "I don’t know, I don’t have a big instinct about it." Rooney contested these assertions, labeling them "unfair" according to The Athletic.
"I noticed Tom’s comments last week and found them quite unfair," Rooney said. He pointed out that Brady visited right before a game, during a less intense period of practice, suggesting that Brady might not fully grasp the demands of soccer. Rooney noted, "Soccer is not like the NFL; the NFL operates for three months a year. Players require downtime, so I feel the way he expressed this was very unfair."
Ultimately, Brady’s side prevailed, as Rooney was dismissed after only 15 matches, leading to one of the club’s most challenging seasons and subsequent relegation to League One.
Despite his frustration with Brady’s remarks, Rooney chose not to criticize him harshly, acknowledging Brady as a "hard worker" and expressing respect for him: "He’s one of the greatest, if not the greatest athlete of all time." Rooney also humorously noted that Brady’s best quote was his comment about not really understanding football.
Following Rooney’s exit, Birmingham City swiftly rebounded and achieved promotion the next season, breaking records for points accumulated in League One. Rooney joined Plymouth Argyle in May 2024, but his stint lasted only a few months, as they parted ways in December.
Rooney, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of his era, has not taken on a new managerial role since leaving Plymouth Argyle.
Fan Take: This controversy highlights the cultural divide between American football and soccer, which is vital for soccer fans to recognize. It underscores how perceptions of work ethic can vary significantly between different sports, and as soccer continues to grow in popularity in the U.S., such discussions could help bridge understanding and attract more attention to the game.
