Valerien Ismael has insisted he has the backing of the Blackburn Rovers board as pressure mounts on the Frenchman.
The Ewood Park side find themselves second bottom of the Championship heading into the weekend, with only Sheffield Wednesday behind them as the Owls enter administration and receive a 12-point deduction. Rovers face a crunch tie at home to Southampton this weekend, in a match which could spell the end for either Ismael or Saints boss Will Still if the result goes against them.
Ismael Defensive In Pre-Match Interview
Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire ahead of the weekend, Ismael gave a pointed response to questions surrounding his future and insisted he still has the confidence of the board. (Quotes via Lancashire Telegraph):
“Yes, I have their backing. Listen, can we speak about the game tomorrow, or I’ll stop now. I can see everything, I can read everything.
“We are focused on what is going on, on the pitch. If we get dragged into the negativity around then we won’t make any steps forward. It is a tough period.
“We have to stick to the plan. I understand everything, we are working on our job which is to focus on the team. We want to give the team the best chance to win the next game.”
Later in the interview, the 50-year-old affirmed that supporters should give him time to turn the ship around, adding that the club is still in a transitional period following John Eustace’s exit to Derby County.
Last Chance Saloon For Ismael
This game is make-or-break for the former Watford boss at Ewood Park, who boasts a 26% win rate during his time at the Lancashire side. That amount is the 5th lowest of any Rovers manager in history, and below previous bosses such as Michael Appleton and Steve Kean.
Ismael may also feel hard done by, with a probable win being scratched off after the late-game postponement of their match against Ipswich Town, with the game needing to be replayed in full. Nevertheless, the results speak for themselves and a loss to a Southampton team not at the races could bring down the Frenchman 8 months into his reign.
