Steve Kean has had to develop a thick skin this season as calls from Blackburn fans for him to be sacked have grown louder with each passing week.
Another protest is planned by sections of the Rovers faithful at Ewood Park on Saturday when Chelsea visit but the embattled Glaswegian insists he and his players are ignoring the off-field issues and are just focused on getting results - although they have been hard to come by with Kean's side sitting in the relegation zone in the Premier League.
"We've got a good group of players and they can put these type of things to the back of their minds, they're professional players," said Kean of recent protests.
The club have banned fans from bringing in large banners this weekend, citing a 'health and safety' issue and that, obviously, has been welcomed by the Blackburn boss. Those looking at the online football betting will know it won't help them get results on the pitch though.
However, he still remains very much under pressure and, despite a banner reading 'does this look like a minority' at the Spurs game last month, Kean still insists more supporters back him than want him out.
"The directors have taken a stance," he added. "That's great because we believe it's the majority of fans we should hear and the majority of the fans are supporting the side and myself - so the minority, the fact that they can't bring any banners in is great.
"It's been rumbling on for a few games so I'm letting everyone at the stadium, the directors and people behind the scenes, deal with that. We're focusing on performances.
"All that stuff we've put out of our minds to be honest."
It's been a siege mentality from Kean for much of the season but, surely, a few more defeats and the owners will have to start listening.
Saturday, 12 November 2011
Monday, 24 October 2011
Mancini still fearful of United
Roberto Mancini said Manchester United were still the team to beat after watching his Manchester City side dish out a 6-1 spanking at Old Trafford.
The Premier League's big-spenders moved five points clear the top of the Premier League table after a breathless display of attacking football resulted in United's worst home defeat since February 1955 – and first at Old Trafford in any competition since April 2010.
Mario Balotelli scored either side of a red card shown to Jonny Evans before substitute Edin Dzeko scored twice and David Silva and Sergio Aguero also netted, with Darren Fletcher grabbing a consolation for the home side. Those who bet on football (http://betting.betfair.com/football/) will have been astonished.
City have now taken 25 out of 27 points but Mancini said he would not be celebrating just yet.
He said: "This is only one game. I still think United are one yard above us, still.
"I think we can only change this after we win the title in the end.
"After, maybe it will be different, but now United are better than us."
Next up for City is a Carling Cup and Premier League double against strugglers Wolves before a return Champions League fixture against Villarreal and Mancini warned there was more to come from his players. The Premier League betting (http://betting.betfair.com/football/premiership/) reflects this.
The Italian added: "This is important for our supporters and maybe for the goals in the table. I am happy with the three points.
"But I think we need to improve more if we want to stay on the top a long time. We need to work more."
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Defiant Wenger has faith in signings
Under-pressure Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he has confidence in the signings he made before the transfer window closed and has backed them to show their experience in the second half of the season.
It may not be what Gunners fans want to hear, however, with the club currently struggling in 15th place in the table and many wanting results now. But Wenger, who just about maintains the support of the majority of the club's fans, is asking for patience. Anyone following the football betting prices (http://betting.betfair.com/football/) will know their title hopes have gone, so supporters are unlikely to
It has been a fairly wretched few months at the Emirates but the Frenchman believes now is the time for positivity as his new signings begin to bed in.
The summer departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri stung Arsenal badly and there remains a big question mark over the long-term commitment of Robin van Persie as well to further increase the gloom.
Plenty of experience did arrive among the new signings, notably through the likes of Per Mertesacker, Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun but doubts persist over whether they are good enough to get the Gunners firing again.
Wenger himself, though, is sure he has bought well. "Overall we have more experience and this could be important if we are in a strong position should we have interesting challenges in March or April," he said.
"I'm very happy with the signings we made and my challenge now is to prove that I made the right decisions. I'm confident that we have, but only the results will tell."
The embarrassing 8-2 defeat at Manchester United and losses at Blackburn and north London rivals Spurs have cranked up the pressure on Wenger, with some fans feeling that, after 15 years in charge and three Premier League titles won, now is the time for him to step aside. The Premier League betting prices (http://betting.betfair.com/football/premiership/) certainly suggest he faces an uphill struggle this season.
Publicly, he retains the full backing of the club's owner, Stan Kroenke, but Wenger, as he acknowledges, will ultimately be judged on results - and how those summer signings fare - over what looks like being a crucial winter for him
It may not be what Gunners fans want to hear, however, with the club currently struggling in 15th place in the table and many wanting results now. But Wenger, who just about maintains the support of the majority of the club's fans, is asking for patience. Anyone following the football betting prices (http://betting.betfair.com/football/) will know their title hopes have gone, so supporters are unlikely to
It has been a fairly wretched few months at the Emirates but the Frenchman believes now is the time for positivity as his new signings begin to bed in.
The summer departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri stung Arsenal badly and there remains a big question mark over the long-term commitment of Robin van Persie as well to further increase the gloom.
Plenty of experience did arrive among the new signings, notably through the likes of Per Mertesacker, Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun but doubts persist over whether they are good enough to get the Gunners firing again.
Wenger himself, though, is sure he has bought well. "Overall we have more experience and this could be important if we are in a strong position should we have interesting challenges in March or April," he said.
"I'm very happy with the signings we made and my challenge now is to prove that I made the right decisions. I'm confident that we have, but only the results will tell."
The embarrassing 8-2 defeat at Manchester United and losses at Blackburn and north London rivals Spurs have cranked up the pressure on Wenger, with some fans feeling that, after 15 years in charge and three Premier League titles won, now is the time for him to step aside. The Premier League betting prices (http://betting.betfair.com/football/premiership/) certainly suggest he faces an uphill struggle this season.
Publicly, he retains the full backing of the club's owner, Stan Kroenke, but Wenger, as he acknowledges, will ultimately be judged on results - and how those summer signings fare - over what looks like being a crucial winter for him
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