Boss cross he’ll miss Jozwiak because of scheduling
ROONEY FRUSTRATED BY RAMS’ RETURN SO CLOSE TO INTERNATIONAL GAMES
DERBY County manager Wayne Rooney has ruled winger Kamil Jozwiak out of selection for tomorrow’s Championship match against Birmingham City.
And Rooney is annoyed about the scheduling which sees the Rams back in action less than 48 hours after Jozwiak was on duty for Poland against England in a World Cup qualifier in Warsaw.
“The frustrating thing is we’ve got Kamil Jozwiak away,” said Rooney at his pre-match press conference yesterday.
“I had exactly the same issue last season in regards to playing Friday night (after an international break).
“So there’s no chance Kamil can be involved.
“To play in a high-profile game on a Wednesday night in Poland and then get asked to travel back and travel to Birmingham and play a game, it’s impossible.
“So, yeah, it’s frustrating, but I suppose with TV taking the game we have to do it.
“My squad is very thin. If we get injuries we’re in big trouble. It isn’t ideal but I’ll do everything I can to get the most out of these players.
“I don’t think games should be on a Friday (after an international break). To not have Kamil available because our fixture gets moved is frustrating.
“I don’t see why it can’t be 24 hours later on TV.”
It did not take long for the press conference questioning to move on to the Rams’ financial situation and Rooney’s ongoing relationship with owner Mel Morris and chief executive Stephen Pearce.
The Derby boss was asked about the off-field issues surrounding the club, which this week prompted supporters’ group RamsTrust to send another letter to the club asking for answers.
Rooney said he sympathised with the club’s fans and that he shares their frustrations. “In terms of the questions which I’m sure everyone’s asking, the fans are asking – I’m asking (those questions) myself of the people above me,” he said. “Unfortunately, I can’t give an answer to them. I wish I could.” Asked to expand on his relationship with “the people above me” he said: “Yeah, of course, there is (still a relationship there). “Listen, I’ve said before, I’m grateful to Mel (Morris) for giving me this opportunity to come in for my first job in management.
“And yes, obviously more so (in communication) with Stephen and trying to understand the full details
To not have Kamil because our fixture gets moved is frustrating. I don’t see why it can’t be 24 hours later Wayne Rooney
of the situation
“But, from my point of view, my sole focus is on the team and getting the team ready and prepared.
“Of course, I want more players, I’ve made that no secret. We need more players.
“But, in terms of getting this club on the right track, I keep working
very hard and, of course it’s a challenge, there’s no denying that, but I’m up for the challenge, I’m up for the fight.
“Yeah, I could do with a bit more help, but we are where we are.
“I’ll keep pushing hard and working hard to make sure I try and get as many points as possible.”