Wayne Rooney warns Tottenham face relegation battle
Wayne Rooney has issued a stark warning that Tottenham Hotspur find themselves embroiled in a genuine Premier League relegation scrap, reports BritPanorama.
The north London club currently occupy 15th position on 29 points, sitting a mere six points clear of the bottom three after an alarming run of seven consecutive matches without victory. Saturday’s dismal 2-0 reverse at Old Trafford compounded Spurs’ woes, with Thomas Frank’s side managing just a solitary shot on target throughout the encounter.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England captain was unequivocal in his assessment. “You’d have to say they are [in a relegation battle] with their current form,” Rooney stated. He added, “You can’t think that they’re not in a relegation battle where they are. I think they’ll definitely be looking over their shoulders.”
The defeat extended a barren run that stretches back to the turn of the year, with no league triumph since then. Rooney highlighted the improving fortunes of clubs around them as cause for concern. “West Ham have been in form, Nottingham Forest pick up results here and there,” he observed.
The Hammers have climbed to within striking distance on 23 points, whilst Forest sit on 26. Only Spurs’ superior goal difference currently provides any comfort in an increasingly congested lower half. The Manchester United clash was further marred by captain Cristian Romero’s first-half dismissal for a late challenge on Casemiro.
The Argentine defender’s sending-off marked his sixth red card since joining Spurs in August 2021, more than any other Premier League player during that period according to Opta statistics. Rooney acknowledged the decision might be considered harsh, yet pointed to a troubling pattern. “And you don’t need your captain going out getting sent off on a regular basis or being as vocal as he was this week,” he remarked.
Rooney also criticised Romero’s recent public comments regarding Tottenham’s injury situation, suggesting such remarks only heap additional pressure upon the beleaguered coaching staff. Expressing sympathy for Frank, who inherited the role last summer following Ange Postecoglou’s departure despite the club’s Europa League triumph, Rooney stated, “I feel for Thomas Frank because he looks tired, he looks like he’s aged 10 years. That’s what that Tottenham job has done to him in a short period of time.”
The former England international voiced hope that the club would show patience with the Danish manager. “I hope they stick with him because he’s a fantastic manager, but I think it’s going to be very difficult for them to do that,” he conceded. Spurs host Newcastle on Tuesday evening seeking to arrest their slide.
As the pressure mounts in the Premier League, one cannot help but notice how quickly a once-ambitious club can find itself under siege, a stark reminder that even giants can falter in the relentless pursuit of excellence.
