Everton: Is Wayne Rooney set to take a break from playing?
By Paul Taylor
There is speculation Wayne Rooney’s wife wants him to take a break to save their marriage, but would Everton actually allow this?
These are interesting times at Everton, who now find themselves mired in a two-match losing run. Even worse, has been the manner of the defeats, which have prompted supporters to question the heart of the players and the tactics of the manager.
(While the criticism is warranted, some of the calls for Ronald Koeman to be sacked, are nothing short of ludicrous. Have the fans already forgotten what he did last season?)
In addition, the Blues’ lengthy injury list hasn’t helped, along with their failure to find another striker during the summer transfer window. And let’s not forget Wayne Rooney’s recent indiscretion.
If we’re honest, after initially reporting details of Rooney’s arrest for drink driving, we were reluctant to share any further information pertaining to his actions on the night in question. If it didn’t affect or relate to his performance on the field, we wanted to at least attempt to give the story a wide berth.
However, thanks to the latest speculation, it now seems important to at again discuss what’s going on. More specifically, the fact this most recent news could impact his production for Everton.
As reported by David Trayner of the Daily Star, the 31-year-old’s pregnant wife has asked him to take a break from playing. Coleen Rooney apparently wants him to request sympathetic leave, so the family can attempt to save their marriage.
Coleen is understandably angry and upset, in light of revelations relating to who was in the car with her husband, when he was arrested. However, she is prepared to give him (yet) another chance, as long as he cuts down on his drinking.
The question is, would Koeman even allow this, and not just because of the injuries and lack of striking options? The last thing the Everton manager wants to do, is show apparent favouritism to any of his players.
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Further, England’s all-time leading goalscorer was actually one of the few players to play well during Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur. The last thing the team need to do is see him have a break, when so many others are struggling.
In the interest of objectivity and fair reporting, Trayner goes on to write that Rooney has denied his wife making any such request. Although, he could theoretically be just saying this, to save Coleen from any verbal abuse.
Either way, we will be extremely surprised if the former Manchester United player does indeed take a break, especially at this stage of the season. The only way we can see this changing, is if he does start to play poorly.
Koeman even said himself last Thursday that he would consider dropping Rooney, if his performances suffered. For what it’s worth, the forward has had several off-pitch incidents throughout his career and it has never affected his play before.
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What’s your take on this latest speculation? Do you put any credence in the report? Regardless, would you continue to play Rooney, or do you believe it would be a good idea to give him a short break? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.