Following MLS All-Stars' 5-0 defeat against Arsenal, Wayne Rooney hit out at the league for not allowing enough time for him to prepare his side for the difficult matchup.
Even with Major League Soccer's best starting XI and bench, it's still a daunting challenge in facing Premier League giants Arsenal. The All-Stars had plenty of quality around the pitch, but they only trained together for a couple of days and the results were grim, with Rooney not pleased with the situation.
Arsenal's defense and team chemistry was on point throughout the game, as the core of their squad has been playing together for a few years now. The Gunners' defense, kept the All-Stars attack at bay, which included the likes of Denis Bouanga, Christian Benteke, Hany Mukhtar, and Cristian Espinoza, not allowing a shot on goal until the 85th minute.
"Absolutely nothing. Listen, it's difficult. On Monday the players all arrived and we did a small-sided game," the former Manchester United player said when asked what he gained from the experience.
The National Mall, which is the home to US landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. MLS appeared to think it was the perfect location to host All-Star training, but Rooney strongly disagreed.
"On Tuesday, as I suggested, I didn't want them training at the National Mall but that's where we trained and we can't do anything," he said.
"We did head tennis so literally had no time whatsoever to do any tactics whatsoever, so you put the players out there and you hope they can figure things out, and against a team like Arsenal that's very difficult to do."
The 37-year-old briefly spoke about the different levels that players are at in Europe and different leagues around the world.
"The result is what it is. I was a little shocked at the quality. The lads were nervous and hesitant to get shots off and I think here you see the difference between All-Stars and one of the best teams in Europe."
Rooney continued to slam the league but went down a different avenue, explaining that some of his assistant coaches were "kicked out of their seats today by members of [MLS broadcast partner] Apple."
However, MLS responded to that in quick fashion stating: "It is not true that any members of Apple's staff were seated in the technical area during the game."
It wouldn't be a proper press conference if a head coach didn't have a go at the referee, right? Rooney did that as well, lobbying for better officiating across the league.
"I thought the referee made the game a little bit about himself once again," he said. "I think that's something that needs improving in the MLS. I've said it all season, so it's a good opportunity for me to bring it up again."
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This article was originally published on 90min as Wayne Rooney: MLS All-Stars had 'no time' to prepare tactically for Arsenal clash.
