“This Isn’t the Conference League”: Wayne Rooney Slams Arsenal After PSG Loss
Arsenal’s hopes of reaching the Champions League final took a major hit after a 1-0 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the semi-finals. Ousmane Dembélé’s early goal not only gave PSG the lead but also dampened the crowd’s energy and highlighted Arsenal’s flaws in high-pressure European matches.
Serving as a pundit for Amazon Prime, former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney delivered a harsh assessment of Arsenal’s display. He described the team as “too soft and naïve,” identifying five key issues with their performance. One major criticism was aimed at Declan Rice’s pre-match comment, “If we don’t have the ball, we die,” which Rooney called unrealistic for a match of such magnitude.
Rooney also criticized the lack of atmosphere at the Emirates following PSG’s goal, suggesting that fans and players acted as though beating Real Madrid had already secured them a place in the final. “This is the Champions League, not the Conference League,” he warned, emphasizing the need for consistent intensity.
Tactically, Rooney pointed out that Rice was caught out of position, allowing Dembélé the space to score. He questioned goalkeeper David Raya’s claim that Arsenal dominated the match, stating that such comments didn’t match what happened on the field—where PSG could’ve extended their lead.
Beyond tactics, Rooney believes Arsenal struggle mentally when it matters most. He argued the team has a psychological barrier preventing them from winning big titles, saying it’s not about talent but mindset.
Gabby Agbonlahor also criticized the lack of passion from Arsenal’s supporters, calling the pre-match tifo and crowd response “embarrassing.”
As Arsenal prepares for the second leg in Paris, they must correct both strategic mistakes and mental weaknesses. Rooney concluded that belief alone isn’t enough—they need to earn victory with determination and focus every minute of the match.
The possible absence of Dembélé due to injury may be a boost, but Arsenal’s response will determine their fate. The next match is not just about tactics—it’s a test of their mental resilience.
