Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson stated that praise from Wayne Rooney following the club's FA Cup exit to Chelsea is a significant tribute. The Championship side led twice at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday before losing 4-2 after extra time. Sam Smith and Callum Doyle scored for the hosts, but goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Pedro eventually secured victory for the visitors.
Rooney, speaking as a pundit on the BBC, claimed the Wrexham defenders performed well against Chelsea striker Liam Delap. The former England captain also questioned the red card shown to Wrexham midfielder George Dobson in the 93rd minute, according to Wales Online. Parkinson noted that his players should take heart from the performance despite the defeat.
Wrexham currently occupy sixth place in the Championship table with 57 points, per FBref. Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League following their 4-2 win in Wales, according to NBC Sports. The Welsh club returns to league action against Hull City on Tuesday.
