'You have got a responsibility to the fans' - Rooney on Spurs changes
Ange Postecoglou missed an "opportunity" by rotating his squad against Fulham on Sunday, says former Premier League striker Wayne Rooney.
The Tottenham boss made seven changes to his starting XI from the one that saw his side through to the last eight of the Europa League on Thursday night.
However, it came back to bite him as Spurs lost 2-0 at Craven Cottage - their 15th defeat of a disappointing league campaign.
"I really like Ange, I think he is a top manager, but I just didn't understand the changes [against Fulham]," said Rooney on BBC MOTD2.
"You have got a responsibility to the fans who want Tottenham to do well and it is clear the fans are not happy with what is going on at the moment, both on and off the pitch.
"I thought this match was an opportunity to build on going through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League and give the Tottenham fans something going into this international break.
"I know as a player, when you lose a game going into that international break, it is horrible, there is no worse feeling. You have got two weeks thinking about the game.
"I don't think Tottenham are in a position where they can rest players and make as many changes."
Ex-Watford forward Troy Deeney agreed, adding: "When you look at Spurs, they are in a situation now where they're just hoping [to finish the season well]. You have got to go with your strongest team.
"[Wilson] Odobert just scored two goals - let him play. If he gives you 60, 70 minutes and he blows up then no problem, take him off, you've got 18 days [break].
"Keep that strong squad, get that momentum going and go into that international break [on a positive result]."
Watch the discussion back on BBC iPlayer
-
Tottenham prepare for Fulham clash as Postecoglou considers changes
Tottenham Eye Fulham Clash with Squad Rotation on Postecoglou’s Mind Ange Postecoglou faces a selection conundrum as Tottenham prepare for a tough Premier League encounter against Fulham on Sunday. ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
🚨 Tottenham and Fulham name their starting XIs for Premier League Clash
Fulham host Tottenham in the Sunday lunchtime Premier League clash, with Spurs hoping to close the eight-point gap between the two sides in the table. Ange Postecoglu has rotated his side following ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney to lead England squad at Soccer Aid 2025
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury and ex-Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney will coach an England squad made up of athletes and celebrities for Soccer Aid 2025 at Old TraffordABC News - 6d -
“He struggled with it” – Wayne Rooney criticises Chelsea player in Arsenal defeat yesterday
Former England striker Wayne Rooney has highlighted the role of one Chelsea player yesterday for some criticism after defeat.The news comes after Chelsea were defeated by Arsenal in the Premier ...Yahoo Sports - 12h -
Why you need a number nine to challenge - Rooney
MOTD2 pundit Wayne Rooney says Manchester United's draw with Arsenal was a reminder that both sides have problems up front.BBC News - Mar. 10 -
Tottenham announce XI for UEL clash against AZ
Tottenham return to North London for the second leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie against Eredivisie outfit AZ Alkmaar. Ange Postecoglou's Spurs outfit are still in with a decent chance of ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Postecoglou excited by what is to come from youngster after starring in Europa League win
Ange Postecoglou says Wilson Odobert showed why the club signed him with his performance against AZ Alkmaar.Odobert scored twice as Spurs beat AZ Alkmaar 3-1 in their Europa League round of 16 ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Report: Tottenham make contact with Premier League manager to replace Postecoglou
Tottenham suffered yet another defeat in the Premier League on Sunday which dropped them down to 14th position in the standings.Ange Postecoglou’s side were beaten 2-0 by Fulham who are chasing ...Yahoo Sports - 7h -
“A good young coach” – Tottenham eye manager endorsed by Jose Mourinho as potential Postecoglou successor
Fulham manager Marco Silva is a leading candidate to replace Ange Postecoglou should Tottenham Hotspur decide to make a managerial change, according to reports from The Telegraph.Postecoglou is ...Yahoo Sports - 1h
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Bucs attached to Scouting Combine star in new mock draft
Nick Emmanwori is the latest defender to be attached to the Bucs during the mock draft season.Yahoo Sports - 18m -
Braves' Spencer Strider sparkles in 1st spring start as he comes back from Tommy John surgery
Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Auburn's March Madness 2025 bracket considered the toughest by USA TODAY's Blake Toppmeyer
USA TODAY's Blake Toppmeyer predicts Auburn to run into a 'boobytrap' as the south region's top seed.Yahoo Sports - 22m -
How to watch the 2025 Valspar Championship on NBC, Golf Channel and more
The final stop of the PGA Tour's Florida Swing is here. Here's how to keep up with the action.Yahoo Sports - 22m -
Premiership to introduce away ends for rugby fans
Away sections are coming to the Gallagher Premiership with the league set to introduce two trials at the end of April. Telegraph Sport understands that the trials will take place at two fixtures – ...Yahoo Sports - 23m
More in Sports
-
Antonio vows to return to football after car crash
West Ham United forward Michail Antonio has insisted he will play professional football again after he recovers from being involved in a near-fatal road traffic collision in December.ESPN - 17m -
Bucs attached to Scouting Combine star in new mock draft
Nick Emmanwori is the latest defender to be attached to the Bucs during the mock draft season.Yahoo Sports - 18m -
Braves' Spencer Strider sparkles in 1st spring start as he comes back from Tommy John surgery
Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Auburn's March Madness 2025 bracket considered the toughest by USA TODAY's Blake Toppmeyer
USA TODAY's Blake Toppmeyer predicts Auburn to run into a 'boobytrap' as the south region's top seed.Yahoo Sports - 22m -
How to watch the 2025 Valspar Championship on NBC, Golf Channel and more
The final stop of the PGA Tour's Florida Swing is here. Here's how to keep up with the action.Yahoo Sports - 22m