Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has expressed his willingness to assist Birmingham City in an advisory role, following the appointment of his former teammate Wayne Rooney as the club’s manager. Birmingham City’s interest in Rooney had been widely anticipated before his departure from his coaching role at DC United in the MLS. Rooney’s selection as the new manager has sparked debate among fans and experts, given the team’s current position in sixth place in the Championship. This decision comes after John Eustace’s last game in charge, which was a 3-1 victory over arch-rivals West Bromwich Albion in the West Midlands derby.
Despite the mixed reactions to Rooney’s appointment, he has brought former colleagues John O’Shea and Ashley Cole on board.
Berbatov, another former teammate, has also extended an offer to assist the new Birmingham boss. In a recent interview, Berbatov clarified that while he has no plans to pursue a coaching or management career, he is willing to provide guidance and support due to his deep passion for football and his belief that he can contribute in some capacity.
Berbatov emphasized his curiosity about Rooney’s transition from American football to English football management, acknowledging the difference in the two environments. He also pointed out the significance of Rooney’s name in the football world and the challenges of starting from scratch in management.
In the writer’s opinion, Berbatov was one of the Premier League’s most technically gifted forwards during the 2000s and was a key part of Manchester United’s success in reaching two UEFA Champions League finals and winning two league titles. Although Berbatov is not offering to become a coach, his experience and insights could potentially benefit players like Scott Hogan, Lukas Jutkiewicz, and Oliver Burke by helping them improve their performance in the attacking third.