Paul Lambert this morning was officially introduced as the new manager of Championship side Blackburn Rovers. We focus on the main talking points regarding what the former Aston Villa boss had the say. He was introduced to the media in a press conference at Ewood Park.
The goal is clear……Premier League football
One of the first things that Lambert mentioned whilst sitting at the desk in front of the microphones is that he wants to get Blackburn Rovers back to where they belong. The goal is very much clear and saying it from the outset will at least get everybody on side and hopefully pulling in the right direction. He does however concede that it will be a ‘challenge.’
“The challenge is to try and get out of the league. It’s a massive opportunity for ourselves. We are raring to go.”
Everyone needs to pull together, fans included
It was posed to Lambert that he may struggle to truly dictate his style of play and get the players he wants into the club due to a lack of finance. There is the obvious Financial Fair Play issues, but Lambert is not one for making excuses. He makes it clear that finances don’t necessarily guarantee success and a lack of it doesn’t guarantee failure. A pleasing style of play is something he believes will get the fans ‘back on side.’
“The key is to win games. Lack of money won’t make you lose games. Norwich was different because we had momentum there from League One. We had a good team and spirit. We need the fans here behind us. If we get the players entertaining the crowd, hopefully we’ll get them back on side.”
Reaching the play-offs this season is still a target
There is still plenty of football left to be played. However the Scot clearly understands that he wouldn’t be in the job if results were good. Whilst he praised Gary Bowyer for the work he had done as Blackburn Rovers, it is obvious he knows he will be out of the door himself if results do not improve. The key is winning football matches but again stressed the role that the fans can play.
“There are still a lot of games to be played. If you do have a run you can sneak in there (play-offs). We have to win games and to do that – we need to get the fans here and get their support. It’s up to myself and the staff to get the best out of the group.”
The key players need to stand up and be counted
Ask any ‘average’ football supporter about Blackburn Rovers and the vast majority of them will eventually mention the exploit of star striker Jordan Rhodes. He will undoubtedly be key to any potential success that Blackburn and Lambert will have this season and in the coming years. The former Wycombe and Colchester manager has been told that players do not need to be sold. Lambert has been able to call upon star strikers at most of his clubs, especially at Aston Villa and Norwich City.
“His (Jordan Rhodes) goal-scoring is incredible. He’ll be every bit as important as (Christian) Benteke and (Grant) Holt were for me.”
Lambert went on to conduct several interviews with local media and newspapers. The sources from above have been taken from the Lancashire Telegraph website.
https://www.wedgies.com/question/564a01f7f5a83b0d00000f73
