'We would be safe five games ago!' - Wayne Rooney blamed for Plymouth's impending relegation by successor Miron Muslic with Pilgrims still bottom of Championship

Despite having left the job four months ago, the former England and Manchester United striker has not escaped the scrutiny surrounding Plymouth’s rapid descent toward relegation. Rooney, who took the reins last May, endured a turbulent stint at the club. During his 23-game spell, he registered just four league wins while suffering 13 defeats — a stretch that has left lasting damage on the club’s campaign. His time in charge was cut short on New Year’s Eve, as Plymouth sought to arrest their decline.

Following Rooney’s dismissal, Plymouth turned to Bosnian-born Austrian coach Muslic to navigate the remainder of the season. With just two matches left to play, the Pilgrims sit at the foot of the Championship table, three points adrift of safety. The uphill battle for survival continues, but Muslic believes the current crisis could have been avoided altogether had he been appointed earlier.

"I think if I'm the head coach from day one we will be far, far away from the relegation zone," he told reporters.

"We would be safe five games ago already. I truly believe if I will be here with my staff from day one we will be nowhere near where we are right now."

Since taking over, Muslic has managed to collect 23 points in 19 matches - a marked improvement on Rooney’s record - and has injected belief into a squad that appeared directionless just months prior. Their 3-1 win against Coventry City on Monday has breathed fresh life into their survival hopes, though the task remains daunting.

"The performance today, the performance at Middlesbrough," Muslic told BBC Sport after the Coventry win.

"We've taken nine points at Home Park against Norwich, against Sheffield United, against Coventry. These are teams playing for the Premier League and they all lost here in Plymouth at Home Park, that gives me the confidence."

With only two matches left, every point is vital. First up is a crucial clash with Preston North End, followed by a potentially decisive final-day showdown with title-chasing Leeds United at Home Park. Even if the Pilgrims are able to secure victories in both of their remaining fixtures, they will still need other results to go in their favour. Specifically, they’ll be hoping that Luton Town, Cardiff City, and Derby County falter in their respective matches.