STOP THE EURO SUPER LEAGUE
HOW YOU CAN ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CAMPAIGN
WAYNE Rooney says the English football pyramid must be protected following the announcement of controversial plans to form a European Super League.
So far, 12 clubs have agreed to become founding members of the ESL, with three more expected to also sign up. The league will eventually feature 20 teams as an annual midweek competition to rival the Champions League.
The Premier League’s so-called ‘big six’ are all part of the plans, which have sparked outrage across the English game and around Europe.
The Derby County manager – a Champions League winner with Manchester United – said there would be a lot of anger about the plans.
“In terms of everything I have seen yesterday and this morning, it is strange timing and it is a strange situation to come out but I’m sure there are reasons for that,” said Rooney.
“I think the best thing to do is wait to see which information comes out and how it is going to work. The people in charge of these clubs are not stupid.
“It looks like it probably will happen, the only hope is that the English pyramid is protected and rewarded in some way to allow these clubs to go and do what they are planning on doing.
“Rather than jump the gun, we should wait and see what information comes out. I am sure the Premier League will always be a priority for clubs but we have to wait and see what information comes out and then, and only then, will I give my true feelings.”
Asked if players who are part of the Super League should be blocked from playing for their countries, Rooney said: “That is another one where we have to wait and see where that goes. I know I certainly wouldn’t give up playing for my country, I was hugely honoured to play for my country.
“There is going to be a lot of comment, a lot of anger, a lot of frustration with everything but what is important is we see what actually does come out and what gets released because there might be a lot of wasted words until we really see where it goes.
“I completely understand the frustration from everyone who has come out and had their opinions on it but what is important is we see what it is.
“I do not know the full details of it, I’m sure not many people do other than the clubs who are speaking about it. It might be some good comes from it, I don’t know.
“If they totally break away from the Premier League and from the
domestic cup competition in England, I don’t think that would be a great look but let’s see what information comes out.”
Rooney also gave his verdict on Tottenham’s decision to sack Jose Mourinho, one of his former managers at Old Trafford.
The Rams boss is surprised by the timing, with Spurs due to host Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
“If there is one manager to set a team up to play against Manchester City in a cup final, it is Jose Mourinho,” said Rooney.
“It is a massive risk [by Tottenham]. I am sure a lot of teams around the world would love to have him.”