Most of the time, a few hours before a game, a head coach will have to answer questions about one player from the opposing club, maybe two. Thursday noon, Wilfried Nancy had to speak instead of a legend of international soccer who, in principle, will not contribute in any way to the outcome of the next game of CF Montreal.
Posted at 5:27 p.m.
This legend is Wayne Rooney who, on July 12, became the new head coach of DC United.
But since, according to the latest news, he was still waiting for the visa giving him the right to work in the United States, Rooney will probably have to content himself with the role of spectator during the visit of CF Montreal to the capital of the United States, Saturday evening.
After her team’s training session at Center Nutrilait, Nancy was quick to talk about the former Manchester United superstar in the English Premier League and the English national team.
By the way, Nancy answered in the affirmative when he was asked if he would have liked to lead his team against Rooney on Saturday night.
“A lot of respect. He starts in the business. I’m happy to say that I may have a little more experience than him in this! “Nancy first said, with a touch of humor.
“A top player, at the time”, he immediately chained. “I remember when I was at the Academy, I showed a lot of videos of his races and also his state of mind. He will bring, precisely, his energy, his state of mind as a player. I’ve seen good changes already and I’m not surprised that he’s in charge of a team because he has ideas. You will see what he does with his goalkeeper; his goalkeeper is a little higher […]. I don’t know if he will be on the bench, but yes, I’m happy to see him. »
By accepting the head coaching job with DC United, Rooney is making a comeback with the organization for which he scored 23 goals in 48 games over two seasons, in 2018 and 2019.
PHOTO GEOFF BURKE, USA TODAY SPORTS
Wayne Rooney became DC United’s new head coach on July 12.
Moreover, the track record of Rooney, the head coach, could not be called eloquent. At the helm of Derby County FC, a club then playing in the second division in England, Rooney recorded a record of 24 wins 39 losses and 22 draws in 85 games, between November 2020 and June 2022.
For some, this may be proof that great players don’t necessarily become great coaches.
When a journalist submitted this theory to her, Nancy responded tit for tat.
“Not all small players make great coaches either! Everyone has their story. He starts in the business. He had two years or a year and a half, I think, with his old team. He had time to put things in place. The way he plays his team, there is thought behind it. »
Midfielder Victor Wanyama also believes Rooney can be successful at the helm of a soccer team.
“He’s a good coach already,” he said when asked about Rooney’s long-term chances of success.
“He proved it in England. I think he will do a good job. »