Wayne Rooney responds to rumours he could make emotional Everton return
Thomas Tuchel previews Everton clash
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Derby County manager Wayne Rooney responded to speculation suggesting he could replace Rafa Benitez as Everton manager, stating he has had “no communication” with the club. The former Manchester United and England striker surged through the youth systems at the Toffees and became their youngest ever goal scorer when he found the net in the 2002 Premier League season at the age of 16.
Rooney has been linked with yet another return to his boyhood club.
Current Everton manager Rafa Benitez has been under enormous pressure amid a horrific decline in results.
The Spaniard’s previous history managing fiercest rivals Liverpool, where he once called Everton a “small team”, meant he was never a popular replacement for** Carlo Ancelotti.**
However, Rooney responded to the speculation connecting him with a return to Merseyside by stating he has had no correspondence with the club.
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“I don’t think I could have missed them, to be honest,” Rooney said sternly when asked about the links in his recent press conference.
“I obviously came up through Everton’s Academy, Everton fan, but I see the reports and I have had no communication with Everton Football Club.
“As far as I am aware they have got a manager in place, so for me to discuss anything like that, it’s not my place to do that. As I have said I am committed to this club.”
Rooney has presided over a Derby side who have been in financial and competitive turmoil.
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The club have been deducted 21 points this season: 12 for entering administration and a further nine after admitting to breaching the EFL profitability and sustainability rules, regarding the £81m sale of Pride Park to former owner Mel Morris.
Yet, the Champions League winner refused to jump from what has appeared to be a sinking Rams’ ship.
“I think it is a credit to the staff, who work extremely hard, that you get linked with jobs, but that’s all it is,” Rooney added.
“I have had no conversation with Everton Football Club regarding the manager’s job and so it is not even something I am thinking about.”
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Benitez has also stated he maintains the support of the Everton board, despite their perilous run of results.
“To be fair, I was talking with Mr Moshiri this morning. I have meetings with the chairman, with Denise, I have conversations with them and they are supporting me,” Benitez said assuredly.
“They know…I will say something I’ve said before.
“They have experience changing managers, they have experience trying to adapt things and it was not working.”
Everton are currently languishing in 14th position, having lost seven of their last ten Premier League matches.
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