Rooney defends work ethic after Brady remarks

Wayne Rooney answers Tom Brady's remarks about his work ethic at Birmingham City, arguing Brady does not fully understand football.

Rooney Defends Work Ethic Against Brady

Tom Brady questioned Rooney's work ethic in the Prime Video series Built in Birmingham Brady and the Blues, saying he was worried about the head coach's dedication. Brady, who became a Birmingham City minority owner in 2023, fired Rooney after four months despite the team sitting sixth in the Championship. Rooney answered on his BBC Sounds podcast, saying Brady does not understand football well and that NFL schedules are shorter and require rest for players.
Rooney noted the club's ownership changes under Knighthead Capital and the timing of Brady buying a stake. He recalled how he was diagnosed with bowel cancer after eight games and how the new directions led by Chris Davies have Birmingham back in the Championship with hopes of returning to the Premier League.

Public clashes between a club owner and its coach highlight the risk of cross sport ownership. When a star like Brady speaks on a documentary, it invites attention from fans and sponsors and can affect team morale. Rooney's defense frames football as a game with longer rhythms and deeper rest periods than the NFL, a reminder that success in English football depends on steady leadership, not spectacle. The episode also raises questions about how much influence owners should have in hiring, firing and day to day training.

Highlights

The story at Birmingham City will keep evolving as ownership and players shape its future.