(Reuters) – Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson expressed confidence that Wayne Rooney would still be considered for future managerial positions following his dismissal from Birmingham City on Tuesday.
Rooney was named manager of Birmingham in October, at a time when the club was in sixth place in the second-tier Championship. However, he was fired this week after the team only managed to win two of the 15 games under his leadership, causing them to fall to 20th place, just six points above the relegation zone.
“He’s got an outstanding football brain and was a magnificent footballer,” said Hodgson, who previously coached Rooney during his time as England manager, addressing reporters on Wednesday prior to Palace’s FA Cup match against Everton on Thursday.
“I’m sad that it happened but I know he will bounce back. I read he will take a little break from the game. That’s an intelligent thing to do.
“There’s no doubt that Wayne Rooney will always be on people’s lips and minds when it comes to future jobs. He really does understand football. He’s proved that as a player – he was very thoughtful and astute tactically.”
Several former England players, including Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, have struggled in managerial roles in recent years, with unsuccessful stints at Everton and Aston Villa.
Hodgson remarked that former players often face harsh judgment after taking on top positions in clubs.
“They will be welcomed into a club because of their name and they will be expected to suddenly take over a team that hasn’t been doing brilliantly and make it fly,” he added.
“That’s an unrealistic demand. They all have to say they didn’t really get a good chance. No one gave them two years, didn’t give them three transfer windows, a chance.”
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Nashik, India; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
