Wed Jul 15, 2020 7:07 am
We did that' - Wayne Rooney admission made after Cardiff see off Derby County
Wednesday 15th July 2020
Rooney was caught in possession leading up to the Bluebirds' winning goal as the Rams were beaten 2-1
Neil Harris admitted Cardiff City had set traps for Derby County and Wayne Rooney after a 2-1 home win boosted the Bluebirds' Sky Bet Championship play-off hopes.
Rooney's mistake near the hour mark, when he was dispossessed by Lee Tomlin, saw Cardiff stay in sixth spot and all but ended Derby's own play-off hopes.
Tomlin ran on to score the decisive goal and keep Cardiff two points above Harris' old club Millwall.
Asked whether Cardiff had targeted Rooney in his deep-lying midfield role, boss Harris said: "Any team who is going to dominate the ball like Derby did there are going to be times when you get the ball and have time and space to play.
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"If you do that you are going to get chances, and when you do you have to take those chances.
"We knew we had to stop Wayne Rooney having time and space on the ball. We did that and Lee then had to provide the finish, which he did exceptionally well."
Tomlin is a huge favourite with the Cardiff fans, providing the creative spark to a team known more for its graft than craft.
The 31-year-old playmaker has battled injury problems all season and this was Tomlin's first start since February.
"Lee has not been available to start games because of his injuries," Harris said.
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"This was the first time and this evening was a risk. It's a challenge to get him on the training ground some days, never mind on the field for matches.
"I've said all along it will take 70 points and upwards. So, Saturday at Middlesbrough is massive, but we will go there with only one thought and that is to win.
"Ever since I came into the building we have spent this season, before and since lockdown, chasing.
"We got into that sixth place and suddenly there was expectation on us, but I just told the players to go and play with purpose and play with a bit of freedom."
Wed Jul 15, 2020 8:29 am
If Cocu wants to stop Rooney playing, he may want to question his style of management.