Valérien Ismaël: Blackburn Rovers Head Coach

[aletheia]

11 hours ago, DutchRover said:

Recall for O'Riordan would be Suhail's solution I'm sure

yep, seems some are spouting that narrative already...

[Leonard Venkhater]

On 26/10/2025 at 07:54, Mattyblue said:

Obviously means nothing here but pretty sure that’s the first time I’ve heard an explicit chant for a manager sacking from a Rovers crowd for nearly 9 years.

Last year during the losing streak...definitely "sacked in the morning" chants.

I would much prefer that the anger is directed at Suhail and Gestede, who is getting off far too lightly (the arrogant, gaslighting prick)

[Mattyblue]

Like I said I don’t remember that, but my point was more the atmosphere, I don’t recall a crowd being like that against a manager throughout a game for a long time, even when we scored.

[philipl]

If the 3 2 2 1 2 formation is VI preference, then he has rather been crippled by injuries. To work well it needs a speedy central defender which is Hayden Carter when available. Plus real strength in the midfield 2 where Moussa who was signed for the role and Forshaw and Garrett are long term absences giving Montgomery his chance to stake a claim.

Even Cantwell suddenly got cropped when we switched to this formation.

It also means we have two established usually quality left backs behind Hedges and De Neve for the left wing back spot and Aleboyosu reining alone and unchallenged at right wing back.

[KentExile]

6 minutes ago, philipl said:

If the 3 2 2 1 2 formation is VI preference, then he has rather been crippled by injuries. To work well it needs a speedy central defender which is Hayden Carter when available. Plus real strength in the midfield 2 where Moussa who was signed for the role and Forshaw and Garrett are long term absences giving Montgomery his chance to stake a claim.

Even Cantwell suddenly got cropped when we switched to this formation.

It also means we have two established usually quality left backs behind Hedges and De Neve for the left wing back spot and Aleboyosu reining alone and unchallenged at right wing back.

The summers recruitment was obviously geared towards a back 4, and 1 solo striker up top, otherwise at least 1 extra centre back and 1 extra striker would have been on the shopping list, as well as genuine competition at right wing back for Alebiosu (or yet another centre back to allow Miller to play there)

However, our run of losses and bad performances prompted a formation switch, which probably suits our best 11 at the moment, but means we have no cover in several areas, and an overload of left backs to sit on the bench

Edited Wednesday at 09:22 by KentExile

[roversfan99]

He cannot claim to be hard done by.

The squad he seemingly had a big say in wasnt designed for this formation.

Carter has been a total write off due to injuries for a couple of years. We came into the season without sufficient cover and quality at centre back even if we were playing a back 4.

Baradji we signed with them knowing he was going to be out for months. Garrett wasnt part of the first team, he wouldnt be playing anyway. Tavares presumably was signed to play and is shit.

Up front, we came into the season with Ohashi, we signed Gudjohnsen and Gueye was not seen as a serious option. 2 strikers for 2 positions isnt enough. 

[MarkBRFC]

9 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

 

Up front, we came into the season with Ohashi, we signed Gudjohnsen and Gueye was not seen as a serious option. 2 strikers for 2 positions isnt enough. 

I imagine, if anything were to happen to Ohashi or Gudjohnson, then we would probably play two 10's say Cantwell & Morishita behind the forward and keep the back 3.

[KentExile]

2 minutes ago, MarkBRFC said:

I imagine, if anything were to happen to Ohashi or Gudjohnson, then we would probably play two 10's say Cantwell & Morishita behind the forward and keep the back 3.

Henriksen would be another option at 10

[Tom]

Got the line up and subs spot on today to be fair!

[Waggy76]

I have , no complaints with the manager today!

 

[Polky]

On 21/10/2025 at 21:49, Polky said:

Ismael now has a PPG of 0.96 as Rovers manager.

Win percentage is now 26.09%

Increased to 29.62% since the above post…

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

On 29/10/2025 at 09:35, KentExile said:

Henriksen would be another option at 10

Downing Street ? 

[philipl]

Don't know what effect he has on professional athletes but I find his interviews very listenable and relatable.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

For me the last two performances have put to bed any thoughts thst - “ the players aren’t playing for him. “

[Mattyblue]

End of the day they don’t sack managers, especially ones that toe the line, regardless of results.

So we just have to hope the time he’ll get by default gives him the breathing space to get it right.

[KentExile]

13 minutes ago, Tyrone Shoelaces said:

For me the last two performances have put to bed any thoughts thst - “ the players aren’t playing for him. “

I still think he struggles to change things mid match (despite what happened v Southampton last week), but he does tend to set us out to start the game well, and as you say, the players do seem to be playing for him