Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney has publicly criticized his players for their lack of fitness and has granted them a six-day break during the international break, sources have revealed. This surprising move comes after Birmingham’s poor start under Rooney’s management.

Rooney took over as Birmingham’s manager after leaving his position as the head coach of MLS club DC United. However, he has struggled to secure positive results in the Championship since his arrival. In his first five games in charge, Rooney has yet to claim a victory, with the team managing only one point from a draw with Ipswich Town.

The team’s recent performance culminated in a 3-1 loss to Sunderland, adding to the concerns of the fanbase. Birmingham City currently sits in 18th place in the Championship, just eight points clear of the relegation zone.

Rooney’s decision to criticize his players’ fitness and then grant them a six-day break during the international break has raised eyebrows among club staff. While the players have individual fitness programs in place for the break, the contradictory move has left some concerned about the team’s readiness for future fixtures.

The Birmingham faithful were initially skeptical of Rooney’s appointment, as the club had parted ways with former manager John Eustace, who had the team in sixth place in the table after a strong start to the season.

As Rooney seeks his first win as Birmingham City‘s manager, his side is set to face bottom-of-the-table Sheffield Wednesday at St Andrew’s after the international break.

In related news, Everton expects a significant reduction in their 10-point deduction following an appeal.