Blackburn Rovers boss happy with 'best squad I've ever had' (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Blackburn Rovers boss happy with 'best squad I've ever had'
1:10pm Friday 14th September 2012 in Football
By Andy Cryer, Blackburn Rovers reporter
STEVE Kean believes his current Blackburn Rovers squad is the strongest he has ever had at his disposal and has challenged all his players to take their chances.
Ahead of tomorrow’s Championship trip to Bristol City, the Rovers boss is able to boast an almost fully-fit squad and has warned his players any below par performances could leave them in the cold.
Scott Dann, Martin Olsson and Gael Givet have recovered from injury, with Colin Kazim-Richards also pushing for a return to the substitutes bench, leaving Kean an embarrassment of riches.
Kean admits his selection headache will leave a few players “with the hump” most weeks but insists he would rather have it that way than be short of options.
He said: “In terms of options and competition for places this is without doubt the strongest we have ever been.
“Look at the back line, we have Jason Lowe, Bruno Ribeiro and Bradley Orr all fighting for one position, Martin Olsson and Markus Olsson fighting for the left back spot. We have four centre halves.
“We have goalkeepers in abundance. You go all the way through the team and we have great options all over the pitch.
“It is a nice problem, I would rather have the problem of bringing people into the office and saying ‘you are not going to start this week’ and them having the hump a little bit. Rather that than the team picking itself because we don’t have any options which we have had in the past.
“We want everyone wanting to play. We want everyone pushing and available for training.
“The lads who haven’t had as many minutes have been getting about the pitch in training making sure they can stake a claim for a place.
“Then what it means is when someone goes on the pitch, we have seen it with Ruben Rochina, they know they have to shine and do something special. The substitutes when they have come on have all had an impact.”
Rovers’ only loss this campaign came in the Capital One Cup, a disappointing defeat at League One MK Dons, having picked up eight points from four league games.
Kean admits the defeat at the Stadium MK did not go down well and has told some of his fringe players involved, they may have to wait for another chance.
He said: “I was really disappointed with our performance against MK Dons. I felt there were some lads who had not played and it was a big opportunity for them to say this is our chance. Some of them let themselves down. They might not get another opportunity for a number of weeks.”
Bristol City may not be anyone’s fancied team this year, with their Championship rivals having bigger financial clout, but Kean insists he is expecting a tough time at Ashton Gate.
The Robins are hoping for a bumper home crowd, following their ‘Pack the Gate’ marketing campaign, and Kean believes that is something his side will have to get used to.
“We will be the team to beat because of the squad we have, because of the history of the club, because of what we have managed to do in the transfer market,” he said.
“Teams want to take our scalp and we have to enjoy that pressure, step up to the plate and make sure that we deliver and up to now we are in a good solid position.
“It would be nice to get that first away win. We have to be able to see games out and we go into the games full of confidence. You look at the bodies and we are confident.”
Comments(53)
Big Bob Joylove
says...
1:36pm Fri 14 Sep 12
Come the Revolution
says...
1:43pm Fri 14 Sep 12
J.C - Rishton
says...
1:47pm Fri 14 Sep 12
MxMave
says...
1:55pm Fri 14 Sep 12
J.C - Rishton wrote:You FOOL!
I think we've brought in some decent players this summer but NO WAY is this a better squad than the one SK inherited ? (STOLE, more like) - Bunn, Salgado, Hoilett, Samba, Nelson, Emerton, Nzonzi all in that squad and now moved on.
How can you say Samba is better than Henrique?
How can you say Hoillet is better than Diego Rosoldo?
How can you say Salgado is better than Bardley Orr?
How can you say Yakubu is better than Colin Kazim Richards?
How can you say Phil Jones is better than Dickson Etuhu
How can you say Frank Fielding is better than Polak Goalkeeper
How can you say Nelsen is better than Dann?
How can you say Kalinic is better than Rochina?
How can you say Emerton is better than Vucevic and Markus Ollson?
Oh wait, you can on EVERY SINGLE ACCOUNT. YOU ABSOLUTE SCUMBAG KEAN... Who'll stop the rain?
sonny
says...
1:55pm Fri 14 Sep 12
Harwoodstblue
says...
1:58pm Fri 14 Sep 12
Well I think that confirms to us all, what we already knew, that he hasn't got a F***ing clue.
bluerob
says...
1:59pm Fri 14 Sep 12
But I will be back when you are gone, the clock is ticking.
bburnrover
says...
2:04pm Fri 14 Sep 12
ponyton
says...
2:08pm Fri 14 Sep 12
People like Hendry who just want the MONEY also get in the way of people that can do the job !
As long as they remain in the job for the wrong reasons , they are stopping the right people doing the job for the right reasons.
P888HOW
says...
2:26pm Fri 14 Sep 12
get out of the job you stole,
your not fit for purpose.!!!
MatthewCA
says...
2:29pm Fri 14 Sep 12
Robbo,M.Ollson,Givat
,Dann, Bruno Ribeiro,Marks Ollson,
Etuhu,Murphy,Jason Lowe,
Rhodes,Gomes
Sub : Kean, Kazim, Rochina, Pedersen,Formica,Orr
,Hanley
Gomes @60 mts sub with Kazim
Murphy @65th min sub with Pedersen if needed
Lowe @75 mts Sub with Rochina (this depend upon the situvation of the game)
All the best and good luck to Rhodes for his first goal with Blackburn.
WIN the game , TOP the table
bburnrover
says...
2:30pm Fri 14 Sep 12
smellthecoffee
says...
2:33pm Fri 14 Sep 12
spudrover46
says...
3:17pm Fri 14 Sep 12
Like the gaffer!
bryan nelsen
says...
3:23pm Fri 14 Sep 12
angryandy
says...
3:40pm Fri 14 Sep 12
abcshopping924
says...
3:49pm Fri 14 Sep 12
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abcshopping924
says...
3:50pm Fri 14 Sep 12
( http://www.abcshoppi
ng.org )
you can find many cheap and high stuff
(jor dan shoes)
(NBA NFL NHL MLB jersey)
( lv handbag)
(cha nel wallet)
(D&G sunglasses)
(ed har dy jacket)
------- http://www.abcshoppi
ng.org -----
WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARD /WESTERN UNION PAYMENT
YOU MUST NOT MISS IT!!!
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ng.org -----
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jogalot
says...
3:59pm Fri 14 Sep 12
How many times has he said something similar? How many times will he get it wrong? If he keeps selecting the wrong players, playing the wrong tactics and demotivating the players, he will never get it right ever and BRFC will be extinct. This drunkard just does not learn.
Reg Rover
says...
4:42pm Fri 14 Sep 12
Ironically in the week Steve Kean was named as a candidate for the N Power Championship manager of the month his job is under the utmost scrutiny.
Steve Kean faces a defining week as Blackburn boss with one eye on the top of the Championship table and the other on his future at Ewood Park.
The clubs Indian owners Venky’s told Kean before the start of the season that he needed a minimum of 16 points from the opening 7 games to keep his job.
Even though Blackburn are second in the table with 8 points, and unbeaten in their first 4 matches, sources close to the Rao family indicated this week that the ultimatum remains.
That means Kean (pic above) must win his next 3 games in the space of 6 days – away to Bristol City on Saturday and at home to Barnsley and Middlesbrough next week – or face the sack.
This is further evidence that Kean is losing the support of Mrs Anuradha Desai, the family matriarch who has saved him from the axe twice already.
The owners have backed him by spending upwards of £15 million to bring in 12 new players this summer, un heard of in today’s N Power Championship, but it is understood that they remain unconvinced by Blackburn’s struggling performances.
They also accept that the decision to keep the unpopular manager has hit the club financially.
Attendances have dipped well below 14,000 – the lowest at Ewood Park for almost 20 years – with thousands of fans refusing to return until Kean goes.
Season ticket sales have also been hard hit.
It also understood major sponsors have withdrawn their support for the club and two potential shirt sponsors have pulled out of deals because of the on going turmoil.
Gates are expected to fall further whilst Kean is in his job.
This highlights the folly of not sacking Kean following relegation from the Premiership and starting a fresh with a new manager. Another disastrous decision by the Venky’s.
Reg.
Footnote:
It is believed that the story has been leaked from Ewood Park by Brother Ventkatesh Rao who is anxious to see the back of Kean. Ventkatesh leaked a similar story in May telling Australian test cricketer Brett Lee that Kean was about to be sacked.
Lee put the news on his Twitter page and Mrs Desai in her annoyance at the breach of confidence by Ventkaesh reversed the decision. Let us hope that is not the case this time.
www.regoftherovers.c
o.uk
maltaman
says...
4:57pm Fri 14 Sep 12
Deadwoodchamps
says...
5:08pm Fri 14 Sep 12
Dita incrociate ....... No no mai!
willhelmrover98
says...
5:17pm Fri 14 Sep 12
stick to football
says...
5:25pm Fri 14 Sep 12
a. Carling Cup winner
b Qualified for Europe
c. Relegation from the Premier League
answers to Steve Kean asap.
Thought - if you have nothing to say - say nothing -somehow we have heard it all before and no one believes a word
blue_and_white
says...
5:53pm Fri 14 Sep 12
This guy is an insult to human intelligence.
How on earth does he come up with that when its worse than the squad he managed to get relegated with? Just a pathetic swipe at Big Sam and a crawling suck-up to our owners.
If this is better than a squad that finished 10th in the prem Steve then you should win this league by at least 10 points. I look forward to seeing that happen, idiot.
senlac1066
says...
6:17pm Fri 14 Sep 12
alfa111
says...
7:18pm Fri 14 Sep 12
Lancs - pensioner
says...
7:35pm Fri 14 Sep 12
jogalot wrote:Hi Jogo
OK, so Kean says this is his best ever squad and the team to beat. He's challenged the players to play at their best. That also sounds like a challenge to everybody. He's saying again, "I'll show you I am right and you are wrong, I know better than you because I am Steve Kean the most brilliant manager in the Premier league, erm, mumble, mumble, in the Championship but in the Premiership next season!"
How many times has he said something similar? How many times will he get it wrong? If he keeps selecting the wrong players, playing the wrong tactics and demotivating the players, he will never get it right ever and BRFC will be extinct. This drunkard just does not learn.
Keans answer to your questions will be:
But we won against United?
Your right he is an asolute tosser, full stop.
Venkys, get us a good manager and we will return to Ewood Park, Simple.
Lancs - pensioner
says...
7:38pm Fri 14 Sep 12
senlac1066 wrote:soon I hope!
because of what "WE" have done in the transfer market ???? anybody heard when "BIG SAM" takes KEAN to the K(L)EANERS ?
ste.g
says...
8:01pm Fri 14 Sep 12
अदूरदर
शी स्टीव kean हैं. आप एक व् यक् ति और प्रबंध
चिंतित
ै। का बहाना है. आपको अपने प्रबंध
से भी बदतर को बर्बाद कर दिया जाता है और आप brfc इतिहास और इस्तीफ
क्यों नहीं पहनते हैं स ९ हम भी venky नहीं पहनते हैं. आप चींटी resd को इस योग्य होना चाहिए । उन्हें निकाला
ste.g
says...
8:03pm Fri 14 Sep 12
उन्हें निकाला
न्हें निकाला
न्हें निकाला
न्हें निकाला
उन्हें निकाला
icannotrace
says...
10:11pm Fri 14 Sep 12
My only problem with this article is he use again of the word "minutes"
Dickiepayshey
says...
10:11pm Fri 14 Sep 12
The one he had when he 'took over' from SA and the one he's got now. Everyone and his Grandma know which was the best !!!!!!!!!!!
silverstan
says...
10:16pm Fri 14 Sep 12
Deadwoodchamps wrote:Think that's Italian for we hate you Kean you bald Scottish **** & your gonna be sacked tomorrow !!
Davvero sperando che i bastardi perdere domani!
Dita incrociate ....... No no mai!
earwego
says...
10:21pm Fri 14 Sep 12
vicn1956
says...
10:53pm Fri 14 Sep 12
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Blackburn Rovers Chicken Train Blues (Yutube) says it all!
bluenwhite
says...
1:00am Sat 15 Sep 12
Reg Rover wrote:Your a ****
KEAN ON THE BRINK
Ironically in the week Steve Kean was named as a candidate for the N Power Championship manager of the month his job is under the utmost scrutiny.
Steve Kean faces a defining week as Blackburn boss with one eye on the top of the Championship table and the other on his future at Ewood Park.
The clubs Indian owners Venky’s told Kean before the start of the season that he needed a minimum of 16 points from the opening 7 games to keep his job.
Even though Blackburn are second in the table with 8 points, and unbeaten in their first 4 matches, sources close to the Rao family indicated this week that the ultimatum remains.
That means Kean (pic above) must win his next 3 games in the space of 6 days – away to Bristol City on Saturday and at home to Barnsley and Middlesbrough next week – or face the sack.
This is further evidence that Kean is losing the support of Mrs Anuradha Desai, the family matriarch who has saved him from the axe twice already.
The owners have backed him by spending upwards of £15 million to bring in 12 new players this summer, un heard of in today’s N Power Championship, but it is understood that they remain unconvinced by Blackburn’s struggling performances.
They also accept that the decision to keep the unpopular manager has hit the club financially.
Attendances have dipped well below 14,000 – the lowest at Ewood Park for almost 20 years – with thousands of fans refusing to return until Kean goes.
Season ticket sales have also been hard hit.
It also understood major sponsors have withdrawn their support for the club and two potential shirt sponsors have pulled out of deals because of the on going turmoil.
Gates are expected to fall further whilst Kean is in his job.
This highlights the folly of not sacking Kean following relegation from the Premiership and starting a fresh with a new manager. Another disastrous decision by the Venky’s.
Reg.
Footnote:
It is believed that the story has been leaked from Ewood Park by Brother Ventkatesh Rao who is anxious to see the back of Kean. Ventkatesh leaked a similar story in May telling Australian test cricketer Brett Lee that Kean was about to be sacked.
Lee put the news on his Twitter page and Mrs Desai in her annoyance at the breach of confidence by Ventkaesh reversed the decision. Let us hope that is not the case this time.
www.regoftherovers.c
o.uk
oziroversfan
says...
1:06am Sat 15 Sep 12
ROVERBOY
says...
8:32am Sat 15 Sep 12
I suppose it's 1 up front again at Bristol City today
Harwoodstblue
says...
8:41am Sat 15 Sep 12
oziroversfan wrote:Whichever way you look at it. The Premier League squad was the Strongest, not the one we have now. He should put his brain in gear before he speaks instead of continually bigging himself up
I don't like him as much as the next guy. But nowhere does SK say it is the "BEST" squad he has ever had. He uses the word "strongest". “In terms of options and competition for places this is without doubt the strongest we have ever been" Mr Cryer your headline is very misleading.
OnePostThenTheOther
says...
9:09am Sat 15 Sep 12
KEAN SACK
THOUSANDS BACK
unclejacklegend
says...
9:38am Sat 15 Sep 12
Please stop interviewing him or printing anything that comes from his mouth. I'd rather hear what SHebby has to say.
whappen
says...
9:58am Sat 15 Sep 12
bluenwhite wrote:Doesn't mention Big Sam though; that is a first.
Reg Rover wrote: KEAN ON THE BRINK Ironically in the week Steve Kean was named as a candidate for the N Power Championship manager of the month his job is under the utmost scrutiny. Steve Kean faces a defining week as Blackburn boss with one eye on the top of the Championship table and the other on his future at Ewood Park. The clubs Indian owners Venky’s told Kean before the start of the season that he needed a minimum of 16 points from the opening 7 games to keep his job. Even though Blackburn are second in the table with 8 points, and unbeaten in their first 4 matches, sources close to the Rao family indicated this week that the ultimatum remains. That means Kean (pic above) must win his next 3 games in the space of 6 days – away to Bristol City on Saturday and at home to Barnsley and Middlesbrough next week – or face the sack. This is further evidence that Kean is losing the support of Mrs Anuradha Desai, the family matriarch who has saved him from the axe twice already. The owners have backed him by spending upwards of £15 million to bring in 12 new players this summer, un heard of in today’s N Power Championship, but it is understood that they remain unconvinced by Blackburn’s struggling performances. They also accept that the decision to keep the unpopular manager has hit the club financially. Attendances have dipped well below 14,000 – the lowest at Ewood Park for almost 20 years – with thousands of fans refusing to return until Kean goes. Season ticket sales have also been hard hit. It also understood major sponsors have withdrawn their support for the club and two potential shirt sponsors have pulled out of deals because of the on going turmoil. Gates are expected to fall further whilst Kean is in his job. This highlights the folly of not sacking Kean following relegation from the Premiership and starting a fresh with a new manager. Another disastrous decision by the Venky’s. Reg. Footnote: It is believed that the story has been leaked from Ewood Park by Brother Ventkatesh Rao who is anxious to see the back of Kean. Ventkatesh leaked a similar story in May telling Australian test cricketer Brett Lee that Kean was about to be sacked. Lee put the news on his Twitter page and Mrs Desai in her annoyance at the breach of confidence by Ventkaesh reversed the decision. Let us hope that is not the case this time. www.regoftherovers.c o.ukYour a ****
whappen
says...
10:28am Sat 15 Sep 12
Only because he (they) had got rid of them or wouldn't play them. I think he'll find we are in a lower division this year; it should be easier to win games here don't you think. That does not make it a stronger squad. If he (they) had kept the apparently weak and feeble squad he inherited - or tried to in Phil Jones' case - we may not be in this position.
In fairness Jones would have gone to Man U no matter who was in charge.
You may have a bigger squad, but stronger? There are players who weren't even being considered for a side plummeting head long towards relegation who are now being named as an integral part of this "stronger squad". And others who were truly, truly useless.
And don't forget those he hasn't even seen play.
"MK Dons.... was a big opportunity for them to say this is our chance. Some of them let themselves down"
Not that strong then.
"Teams want to take our scalp and we have to enjoy that pressure, step up to the plate and make sure that we deliver"
Has this man ever engaged his brain before opening his mouth? What better incentive do you need than the opposition saying they are far superior to you?
Or did someone just challenge him to get the the most football cliches into one sentence?
Failed miserably on that one as well.
whappen
says...
10:41am Sat 15 Sep 12
unclejacklegend wrote:A different line in bull$hit if nothing else.
That seals it for me, Steve Kean is now going out of his own way to wind us all up. He can't be serious. Please stop interviewing him or printing anything that comes from his mouth. I'd rather hear what SHebby has to say.
Anyone asked Mrs D if she has been more "entertained" over the last twelve months?
whappen
says...
10:44am Sat 15 Sep 12
oziroversfan wrote:Thank you Chairman of the British Society for Pedantry.
I don't like him as much as the next guy. But nowhere does SK say it is the "BEST" squad he has ever had. He uses the word "strongest". “In terms of options and competition for places this is without doubt the strongest we have ever been" Mr Cryer your headline is very misleading.
I think "biggest" would be more appropriate.
OnePostThenTheOther
says...
11:25am Sat 15 Sep 12
KEAN SACK
THOUSANDS BACK
carlmc1
says...
11:53am Sat 15 Sep 12
I honestly believe that most people who post on here would achieve promotion managing this team, this season, but I can't see Kaen making it. Get rid of him, replace him with someone who has some sort of a clue and up we go.
Ishakhtaroverdonetsk
says...
1:09pm Sat 15 Sep 12
Rod of the Rovers
says...
4:52pm Sat 15 Sep 12
Unfortunately we are stuck with only the one option when it comes to the manager. This is an area of the squad that is at its weakest in living memory.
As I type this message I see that once again we are shipping in goals for fun. The owners have obviously been told that we get a point for each goal we concede.
callonamigo
says...
6:17am Sun 16 Sep 12
rabbits in the head lights when they are in front.
callonamigo
says...
6:17am Sun 16 Sep 12
rabbits in the head lights when they are in front.
Tuo Neak says...
1:24pm Fri 14 Sep 12
The best squad we have ever had? How about a back line of Olsson, Nelsen, Samba, Salgado or what about Phil Jones?
"We have goalkeepers in abundance. You go all the way through the team and we have great options all over the pitch" - Havent we lost Fielding and Bunn during his time?
The squad when Kean took over was much stronger than the one we have today, all of the above article is nonsense. At least it should still be better than the squad of Bristol City....