Derby County manager Wayne Rooney called Tottenham’s decision to sack his ex-manager Jose Mourinho as “crazy”.
The Portuguese was sacked this morning following a run of three games without a win, leaving the side down in seventh.
Having been managed by Mourinho in the 2016-17 at Manchester United, Rooney won the Europa League, EFL Cup and Community Shield under his stewardship.
Spurs’ decision comes just under a week before their Carabao Cup final against Manchester City and Rooney questioned the timing of it.
He said: “It’s crazy doing it before a cup final. I’m sure they could have waited until after the cup final if that’s the direction that they wanted to go in.
“Before a cup final, Mourinho is a manager that loves to win trophies. He has won a lot in his career. If there was one manager to set a team up to play against Man City in a cup final, it’s Jose Mourinho.”
🗣️ Wayne Rooney: "Mourinho is a man who loves winning trophies.
"I think if there was one man to set a team up to play against Manchester City in a cup final, it's Jose Mourinho."#THFC ⚪ pic.twitter.com/ZBv6s20NBb
— DerbyUniFootyJournos (@UoDFootyJournos) April 19, 2021
Despite Mourinho’s troubles at Spurs, the 35-year-old was full of praise for the work that his ex-boss has done his long managerial career.
“Jose is a fantastic manager, one of the best managers the game has seen. Unfortunately, his time at Tottenham has come to an end but I’m sure there will be a lot of top clubs out there who will be after him,” said the Rams boss.
“I’m sure there are a lot of teams in England who would love to have him as their manager. That decision is up to him, if he wants to come into another club in England.”
Mourinho has been replaced by 29-year-old former Spurs midfielder, Ryan Mason, who will work alongside ex-Charlton Athletic manager Chris Powell.
Rooney, who took over from Philip Cocu earlier in the season, believes any reaction that is seen from the Spurs players following the managerial change will come from within the dressing room.
He said: “It depends on the players. Some players will get encouragement from it; some players will be upset by the decision.
“It’s purely down to each player individually. The one thing that happens a lot is someone comes in and you get a good reaction.”
