Arjun Menon
Rooney Wants Guardiola to Extend His Reign at City
Wayne Rooney has thrown his weight behind Pep Guardiola, urging the Manchester City boss to stay beyond this season calling him a benchmark for every manager in the game.
The 55-year-old has been at the Etihad helm since 2016, delivering six Premier League titles and a shot at a seventh this term. Yet his future remains clouded, with a decision expected only as the campaign winds down or after.
“Some players will want him to leave, some will want him to stay,” Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show. “It depends whether you’re in the team or not, and that’s the same for any manager. I hope he stays because he’s brilliant for the Premier League. You want the best managers in the Premier League. He’s set a benchmark over the past 10 years for everyone else.”
Kompany the Ideal Successor, Says Rooney
Speculation has swirled around Enzo Maresca, the former Chelsea boss linked with a return to City where he once coached under Guardiola. But Rooney believes a club legend would be the smarter choice.
“If Pep does go, they have to go and get Vincent Kompany,” he said. “He knows the club, he’s been successful with Bayern Munich in a similar way. It looks like he’s learned from Pep. Pep will probably choose the next manager. If he’s going, he’ll probably be part of the process. He sees himself as a bit of a teacher, and after 10 years, he’ll want to leave the club in a good place.”
Arsenal’s Title Hopes Still Alive, Says Rooney
Arsenal’s grip on the Premier League tightened after a 2-2 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday despite squandering a two-goal lead. They now sit five points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
The race could hinge on a blockbuster Etihad clash on 18 April, with a Carabao Cup final between the two sides looming on 22 March. A potential Champions League knockout tie adds another layer of drama.
“I think a big factor will be if Manchester City and Arsenal meet in the Champions League. The emotions around the League Cup final, the Champions League games, and then the game at the Etihad. Whoever comes out on top in those will win the league.”
Rooney, speaking before Arsenal’s draw at Wolves, tipped Mikel Arteta’s side to edge it. “I’d prefer Arsenal to win it. I played for Manchester United for 13 years! For me, Liverpool are the ones I wouldn’t want to win it, and then it would be City. I think Arsenal will just win it.”
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