Valerien Ismael hits back at 'stupid' Blackburn Rovers suggestion as Ewood Park pressure grows | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers boss Valerien Ismael has hit back at critics over the summer recruitment, as he addressed talk he could be sacked.

Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael insists he has the support of the hierarchy despite their poor form, as he also dismissed the idea that the squad was downgraded this summer.

It has been a tough opening few months to the campaign for Rovers, who fell to a 3-1 defeat at home to Sheffield United last time out, which leaves the side 23rd in the Championship.

Therefore, many Blackburn fans feel relegation is a real possibility this season, with Ismael having struggled to get a tune out of the group at this early stage.

Valerien Ismael reacts to Blackburn criticism ahead of Southampton clash

Given their position, it’s no surprise that sections of the support are questioning Ismael, even if there is an acknowledgement that the problems at Ewood Park start at the top of the club, whilst the transfer strategy has also been under scrutiny.

So, Ismael was asked about his future by BBC Lancashire, but he gave a short response after making it clear he has the support of those above him.

“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.”

As well as that, Ismael hit back at those who have criticised the summer business, as he claims the current squad simply need time to adapt to their new surroundings.

“No, I don't admit that. It's a stupid analysis (to say the squad is weaker than last season). We didn't lose any quality. We reduced the age of the players. More young players and so they need to adapt to the Championship, to a new environment. It is something conscious that the club wanted to do, to create assets for the club. When you go down that path, it will be a bumpy road.”

Valerien Ismael needs results to ease Blackburn pressure

You can’t blame Ismael for coming out fighting at his press conference here, as, like all connected to the club, he will be frustrated at how things are going.

Whether his comments are fair is open to debate, and you would imagine many will disagree with his assessment that the squad hasn’t got weaker from last season, as they have lost some key figures from the team, but this is an example of a manager defending his players in public, which they should appreciate.

Ismael is right to point out that young players are now coming into the XI, and it would be unfair to expect immediate results, so this start was always on the cards.

Ultimately though, this is all about results. Blackburn’s start has been unacceptable, and the way they are playing means it’s hard to see that they won’t be in a relegation battle moving forward this season.

But, things can change very quickly in football, and it’s now down to the players to justify Ismael’s support by putting in a performance, and picking up points, against Southampton.