Wayne Rooney said it was “very unfair” for NFL legend and Birmingham City co-owner Tom Brady to question his work ethic during his short spell at St Andrew's.
Rooney, 39, was dismissed by Birmingham after just 15 matches and 83 days in charge. Under his leadership, the Blues managed just 10 points from a possible 45.
In a new behind-the-scenes documentary covering the 2023-24 season, Brady is seen telling his business manager: “I’m a little worried about our head coach’s work ethic.”
Speaking on his new podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney responded to the American’s comments: “I think Tom came in once, which was the day before a game where the days are a little bit lighter anyway.
“And I don't think he really understood football that well. But what he does understand is, he's a hard worker, we know that.
“Football is not NFL. NFL works for three months a year.
“Players do need rest as well, so I think he's very unfair, the way he's come out and portrayed that.”
Rooney continued, insisting he was pleased to see Birmingham’s fortunes improve: “Listen, I respect Tom Brady massively.
“He's one of the greatest, if not the greatest athlete of all time and Birmingham do look like they're getting it right now, which is good.
“And I think what they have done is got the players out that they needed to get out.”
Rooney took charge of Birmingham in October 2023, succeeding John Eustace, who was dismissed with the club sitting sixth in the Championship.
He said: “When I went into Birmingham, they were in a mess, really.
“Hence the fact that the players weren't really the players who could take the club forward.
“You had Tony Mowbray, Gary Rowett after me, who also struggled as well.”
