Blackburn Rovers make their stance clear on Valerien Ismael after talkSPORT link Wayne Rooney to the head coach role.
Lancashire Telegraph have just revealed that Blackburn are fully committed to Ismael, who signed a long-term contract in February 2025, despite a challenging start with six defeats in his first eight games.
The club views him as the right person to lead a transitional period, with plans for a squad overhaul in the summer transfer window to align with his possession-based philosophy.
The Rooney link has seemingly come out of nowhere, considering there has been no indication of the club considering a change, and taking into account Rooney’s recent struggles at Plymouth, where he won only five of 21 games.
Rovers’ owners, Venky’s, are reportedly backing Ismael financially and strategically for the long term, focusing on stability rather than a high-profile switch.
Blackburn currently sit 10th in the Championship table with 56 points from 42 games played, and are 7 points from the playoff places with 4 games to go.
A story I didn’t expect to write today. But for the avoidance of doubt…#Rovers https://t.co/sBebVnAvBX pic.twitter.com/TnGgudJoNe
— Elliott Jackson (@_ElliottJackson) April 15, 2025
He’s barely just settled in. 😦 pic.twitter.com/yeWuu4LU7K
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) April 15, 2025
WHAT HAVE TALKSPORT SAID:
Wayne Rooney could be in line for a managerial role at Blackburn, where current manager Valerien Ismael is ‘under pressure’, having won only one of eight games since taking over in February.
“This notebook has been told Cheshire resident Rooney would be a contender to step into the hot-seat at Ewood Park.”
WHAT LANCASHIRE TELEGRAPH SAID:
Blackburn Rovers are fully committed to manager Valerien Ismael despite a less-than-ideal start, having signed him to a three-and-a-half-year contract for a long-term project.
Rovers has no plans to replace him ahead of a busy summer transfer window to recruit players suited to his style.
The board, including Head of Football Operations Rudy Gestede, has publicly backed Ismael, emphasising patience and his long-term deal.
Wayne Rooney wasn’t considered for the role, and his recent managerial stints have not helped his reputation.
The club is focused on supporting Ismael to implement his philosophy in pre-season.
WHAT IS THE REACTION FROM FANS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter users have their say after Blackburn make stance clear on Valerien Ismael as talkSPORT link Wayne Rooney to the role…
@bradpreston98: This is 100% the club making these links to make us grateful for what we having by saying ‘look how bad it could be’
@SMMiller14: Maybe Rovers are planting fake rumours so we all feel more grateful for Ismael 😂😂 (tongue in cheek of course)
@mrbishi1875: Smacks of agents looking to see who may be under pressure and making up nonsense in the hope someone panics and gives him a job elsewhere. Surely no one takes this seriously
@harvbrfc: shat myself before i read
@PhillyRovers: They said there was no financial constraints as well due to India ! was there any truth to that 3 month clause with VI contract? This is a rumor until it isn’t ! Venkys might be Rooney fans #PashaOut
@mikeyedmondson: Almost banged my head against the desk at work until I actually read the story, thank god for you Elliot to quash these rumours 😂
@camey1981: As much as I think VI is not the man to lead this club he’s still better than Rooney 😂
@LeftBehindPoet: #Rovers fans piling pressure on Ismaël, I know offer them W.R. that’ll keep em quiet 😂😂
@allrovers_: Back Ismael but never saw any future with Eustace, strange club
@tommo212: I’ve just checked my calendar to make sure it’s not April 1st!
@TomHarrisonLaw: Go on Rovers. Make it happen. 😂
@readrovers: Bring him in up front. 😂 Front three of Yuki, Makhtar and Rooney would be carnage! Can we have one day without nonsense? #Rovers 🌹🔵⚪
@JTRABRF_659: Elliott Jackson has dismissed the rumours, says Ismael is being fully backed. Just another nonsense story from TalkSport.
@jdtin69: Guarantee next season we sack ismael 6 games in appoint Rooney and go down
@Joe99881636: Thank fuck
@bluerover77: Nothing story by talkSHITE. I’m still waiting to hear the response they got from Venkys that “we promise we will bring you before midday” 🤣🤣
@SMMiller14: Maybe Rovers are planting fake rumours so we all feel more grateful for Ismael 😂😂 (tongue in cheek of course)
@foreverayellow: doesn’t make any sense whatsoever for blackburn to appoint rooney, getting stupid now. good that this claim has been seemingly quashed as quick as that
HAVE YOUR SAY
Do you think Valerien Ismael is still the right man for the job? Should Wayne Rooney ever manage again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or tweet us @fan_banter
Do you think Valerien Ismael is still the right man for the job at Blackburn Rovers? #rovers #brfc
— Fan Banter (@fan_banter) April 15, 2025
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