In the heated Plymouth-Middlesbrough showdown, despite the Rooney-managed side taking the lead on three occasions, Carrick-led Middlesbrough followed suit and equalized three times, especially with a strike in stoppage time that brought the game to a standstill. After the match, Rooney expressed his deep disappointment at his team's inability to consolidate their lead.
Facing the camera, Rooney's mood was slightly downcast: "This game, really makes people heavy hearted. Looking back on the game, I think we played quite well in the first half, whether in possession or running without the ball, we have shown a very high standard."
However, talking about his team's defense after taking the lead, Rooney was blunt: "I'm disappointed with our performance in the two goals we conceded. I think we were a bit too gullible and didn't appreciate the lead and gave our opponents the chance to equalize."
Currently, Plymouth is at the bottom of the Championship table, and such a result undoubtedly puts Rooney under tremendous pressure. Talking about the prospect of avoiding relegation, Rooney admitted: "The situation is really tense, a lot of teams in the league have formed a small group, the competition is extremely fierce."
Despite the difficulties, Rooney did not give up lightly: "Although we are now at the bottom of the league, but as long as we continue to maintain the excellent performance of the last three games, I believe that we will soon be able to turn the situation around. This league is full of variables, a win can completely change everything."
Rooney didn't talk too much about his personal future, but focused on the team's goals: "My goal is to make sure the team is not in the relegation zone at the end of the season. We know that a win can change our fortunes if we seize the opportunity. For this reason, we will do our best."
