WAYNE ROONEY insists Everton can’t use their
European exploits as an excuse for slipping up in the Premier League.
Ronald Koeman’s side
flopped at Chelsea on Sunday, putting in a limp display as they lost 2-0.
The match came just
three days after a Europa League 1-1 draw in Croatia against Hajduk Split and
six days on from a tough point earned at Manchester City
But Rooney, whose
first taste of European action was almost 13 years ago for Manchester United at
Sparta Prague in the Champions League, warned his new team-mates that they need
to adapt.
“You have to accept
that,” said Rooney of the fixture congestion that came with competing in Europe
as well as domestically.
“You get in Europe,
you have a lot of games and we’re probably the only country across Europe that
doesn’t do any favours for our teams. But that’s been the same for a long time.
“The manager will have
to use the squad, but we’ve got the players in the squad and I’m sure he’ll
pick the right time to do it.”
At
Stamford Bridge, Rooney failed to add to his league goals for his boyhood club,
having scored against Stoke and Manchester City.
But
the 31-year-old, who announced his England retirement last week, insists he is
thriving back at Goodison with Everton.
“I
feel good,” he added. “I tired towards the end today because of the heat and we
were chasing the ball a lot which make it difficult.
“But
in general I feel good and I can have a good rest now and be ready for the next
game.”
“It’s
an exciting time. It’s going to be a challenge for me to come back and try to
help the team be successful.”
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