Blackburn Rovers have ‘no intention of changing head coach’ following reports they are considering replacing Valerien Ismael with Wayne Rooney.
It’s been a difficult second half of the season for the 1995 Premier League champions. After spending the majority of the campaign in and around the play-off places, they suffered a huge blow in February when head coach John Eustace opted to give up a promotion chase for a relegation battle with Derby County.
Rovers opted to bring in former Barnsley and Watford boss Valerien Ismael as his successor, but the 49-year-old suffered a dreadful start. He recorded his first win in eight attempts last weekend with a 1-0 victory over struggling Luton Town, although with five defeats, questions have already started to be asked.
Blackburn Linked With Shock Appointment
Shock reports emerged earlier today linking Blackburn with ex-Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney. The 39-year-old’s stock isn’t exactly high at the moment following dreadful stints with Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle.
Rooney was handed the Plymouth job last summer, but with relegation to League One looking a foregone conclusion, he was dismissed on New Year’s Eve. Despite that, talkSPORT claimed that he was under consideration at Ewood Park should they opt to make another managerial change in the summer.
Blackburn Rovers have ‘no intention of changing head coach’ following reports they are considering replacing Valerien Ismael with Wayne Rooney. [@lancstelegraph]#Rovers pic.twitter.com/Ir32Gu03lw
— The Real EFL (@RealEFLSocial) April 15, 2025
Those reports appear to be wide of the mark though. According to The Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn have no intention of sacking Ismael at this stage. Instead, it is said that they view the Frenchman as a long-term project, enhanced by the fact he was given a three-and-a-half-year deal. As such, he will be handed the summer to bring in players that suit his style of play.
Writer’s View
Ismael has not enamoured himself with the Blackburn fans in his short stint in charge, but it is far too soon to think about dismissing him. Eustace is rightfully praised for the job he did at Ewood Park, but it is often forgotten that there was a downturn in form prior to his departure. It’s no secret that Rooney is not yet ready to give up on a career in management, but this is likely to be nothing more than agent talk. The former England international may have to drop down to League One to rebuild his career.
