Rooney slams Guardiola’s ‘strange’ Walker decision as defensive collapse proves costly in Madrid loss

Wayne Rooney has criticized Pep Guardiola’s decision to let Kyle Walker leave on loan to AC Milan, calling it “strange,” after defensive collapse proved costly in Real Madrid defeat.

City suffered a damaging 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League, struggling to contain Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham.

Both Manuel Akanji and Rico Lewis failed to deal with Madrid’s attacking threats, with Lewis’ late mistake leading to Bellingham’s stoppage-time winner.

Speaking on Amazon Prime, Rooney expressed his disbelief over Walker’s loan move, emphasizing the defender’s crucial role in past seasons:

“It’s so strange to see Kyle Walker go out on loan to AC Milan. At this point in the season, when City are struggling, and he’s the club captain, it’s really odd.”

With City now facing a tough task in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, defender John Stones called on his teammates to take responsibility.

“It’s frustrating as a defender. We need to see games out better… The manager told us to take accountability, and we have to step up.”

City’s season hangs in the balance, with Champions League survival on the line and growing criticism of Guardiola’s decisions.

Next, they face Newcastle on Saturday before the decisive return leg against Real Madrid on February 19.