Valerien Ismael reveals what Blackburn Rovers just ‘don’t have’ after Middlesbrough defeat

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Blackburn Rovers were looking to secure their first win since Valerien Ismael became manager when they faced Middlesbrough on April 4.

Blackburn Rovers lost manager John Eustace earlier this year and have since struggled under their new coach.

Valerien Ismael was winless in five matches before kick-off against Middlesbrough, seeing the Lancashire outfit drop down the table and quite far out of play-off contention.

Victory against Boro, however, would have handed Rovers some chance of making a late push for the top-six.

In the end, however, it was another disappointing showing from Blackburn versus Middlesbrough.

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Valerien Ismael Blackburn Rovers vs Middlesbrough

A moment of magic from Tommy Conway put Rovers on the back foot after just two minutes of action.

Middlesbrough continued to dominate the opening exchanges before a Danny Batth own goal made it 2-0 and all but ended the home team’s chances of picking up a win.

It’s now six games without a win for Ismael, with fans already calling for their new manager’s head.

Following the clash, Ismael spoke live on Sky Sports to give his assment of the game, admitting his team just ‘don’t have the luck’.

He said: “We want to start the game well and it puts you in a difficult situation [conceding after 74 seconds]. We can avoid the goal. We lost two important duels.

“The second goal shows the situation at the minute, deflecting into our own goal.

“I think at the end of the first half and completely in the second half is how we wanted to start the game with more belief, desire, focus on ourselves.

“The performance was there, you just need to stay at 0-0 for as long as possible and at some point to make a chance.

“We had a good chance in the second half to score but we don’t have the luck at the minute.

“The first mistake you make or the opponent’s first shot goes in the goal, so it’s difficult.”

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Valerien Ismael on Blackburn Rovers injury problem

While they don’t have any luck at the minute, Ismael conceded that his side do have a ‘massive injury problem’.

He added: “When you play like that from minute one and stay in the game at 0-0, at some point you will force your destiny and win the game.

“We need to play with more belief but you cannot forget we have a massive injury problem.

“When you are missing 8-10 players, a lot of regular starters, then for the Rovers it is a problem.

“But the players available tried to give the best. We know the situation we are in is due to the injuries we’ve got.”

Blackburn are now seven points off the top-six, with that gap likely to be extended on Saturday.

Their next meeting sees them clash with Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday, April 8.