Wayne Rooney's short-lived managerial stint at Birmingham City has come to an end, much to the relief of the players. The former Manchester United star, known for his fiery temperament during his playing days, took a more measured approach as a coach, but it ultimately led to disaster. Rooney's soft touch and lack of authority failed to make an impact on the team, resulting in just two wins during his 15-game spell in charge. Let's take a closer look at what went wrong for the former England captain.

Roo's different approach

Rooney's decision to adopt a softly-softly approach as a manager was surprising, considering his previous experiences with Sir Alex Ferguson's hairdryer treatment at Manchester United. In an attempt to avoid losing his temper, Rooney opted to remain calm and measured during his time at Birmingham. However, this approach seemed to lack the fire and passion that propelled him to success as a player.

A missed opportunity

Despite his deep understanding of the game, Rooney's managerial career has failed to take off, much like his fellow England teammates Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. While Rooney talked about focusing on his next management job after some time away with family, it remains to be seen if he will ever become a top-level boss. His lack of authority and failure to stamp his mark on the team has raised doubts about his capabilities as a manager.

Avoiding the team

One of the most surprising aspects of Rooney's tenure at Birmingham was his tendency to stay away from the team. He rarely traveled with the squad for away games and did not even stay in the team hotel the night before matches. Instead, he would arrive in the morning of the game. This approach seemed unusual, especially for a manager who had just joined the club and could benefit from spending more time with his players.

A disappointing lack of authority

Despite being hailed as a manager with ambition and a great understanding of the game, Rooney failed to impose his authority on the team. The attacking, front-foot football promised by the club's CEO did not materialize under Rooney's reign. His focus on playing out from the back seemed risky considering the squad's capabilities, and the poor results on the pitch reflected this misguided change in style. Rooney's lack of attention to team shape and specific patterns of play also contributed to the team's struggles.

Avoiding confrontation

One of the criticisms leveled against Rooney was his reluctance to confront players when standards slipped. Small misdemeanors, such as arriving late for training, went unpunished, leading to a lack of discipline within the squad. Rooney's aversion to confrontation was evident in his decision to leave experienced striker Scott Hogan out of the squad for three games without providing an explanation. This lack of communication and accountability further eroded his authority.

The end of the road

After another disappointing performance, Rooney's sacking did not come as a surprise to the club. The news broke on social media, while the players were officially informed during a team meeting with the technical director. Coaches who worked with Rooney at DC United also left the club. Birmingham City now faces the daunting task of finding yet another manager to turn their season around.

What's next for Rooney?

Rooney's managerial career may have hit a roadblock, but all eyes will be on his next move. The former England captain was seen as a manager rather than a coach, and his future in the game remains uncertain. As for Birmingham City, their time is running out as they find themselves in a relegation fight. The upcoming FA Cup match against Hull is a chance for redemption, but their league game against Swansea will be a crucial test.

Despite the initial hopes for promotion, Birmingham City now finds themselves fighting to avoid relegation. Rooney's tenure, marked by a lack of authority and disappointing results, has left the club in a precarious position. Only time will tell if Rooney can bounce back from this setback and revive his managerial career.