Rooney recalls physical week ahead of Swansea

After a postponement due to Storm Darragh at the weekend, meaning Argyle were unable to play their scheduled fixture against Oxford United, the Pilgrims now turn their attentions to Swansea City on Tuesday night.

Although the Oxford fixture was not able to go ahead, Wayne Rooney’s team were able to train on Saturday, and switch attention to their midweek visitors sooner than would have been expected.

Swansea, managed by Luke Williams, sit mid-table in the Sky Bet Championship, and are a possession-based team who have garnered many good results this season. However, Rooney is keen that his charges focus on their strengths in order to continue an excellent home record this season.

“We were disappointed the game was cancelled on Saturday,” said Rooney. “We wanted to play; I felt we were in a really good place. We had a very physical, very tough week for the lads, but I think it was needed.

“We were in on Saturday, doing as much as we could really. It was difficult with the weather, but we are prepared for the game.

“Preparations have been good. We've had a little bit longer to work on Swansea than we would have, that's a positive.

“We've put the work and preparation in, and now we're ready for the game on Tuesday.

“Swansea are a good team; they keep the ball really well, similar to what we've seen from Swansea over the years. They like to keep possession, try to wear you down and break you down, and have overloads in the final third.

“For us, it's about us really: how we approach the game; how we get pressure on the ball; keep the ball, move the ball and make them work. It's really on us. We are well aware of their strengths, but it's on what we do, I feel.”

On the Argyle bench for the first time will be new Assistant Head Coach, Mike Phelan. Formerly the number two of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, while Rooney was a player there, the pair were involved in numerous successes, domestically and in Europe.

The 62-year-old now arrives at Home Park to assist Rooney, replacing Pete Shuttleworth, who left the club recently.

“Unfortunately, for personal reasons, Pete has left the club, and we had to move quickly,” Wayne told Argyle TV. “Mike is someone I know really well; I know his qualities. He was my coach at Manchester United.

“He brings a wealth of experience to our coaching team. I think it was the perfect choice, ideal for us to bring him in. Once I spoke to him, it was clear that he was willing, wanted to come in, so we got it moving and got it done quite quickly.

“He has great experience, not just at Manchester United, but he has worked at this level before, and so knows the league. He will bring a different dimension to what we've had, and I'm sure he'll help us.”