New head coach Valérien Ismaël knows the immediate goal at Rovers – but is also excited by the “clear vision” for the long term.
Ismaël returns to English football following spells at Barnsley, West Brom and Watford. He has penned a deal until June 2028 at Ewood Park.
The 49-year-old arrives with Rovers sitting sixth in the Championship table, and with a big game against Norwich to look forward to this weekend.
“Speaking to the board, we spoke about the short-term focus but the long-term focus at the same time,” he said.
“We spoke about the clear vision, how we want to play, the way we want to integrate the young players and have that Rovers identity. I’m very delighted to be back and ready to start with Rovers."
Ismaël has come up against Rovers on a number of occasions in the Championship and is excited to now be in the dugout at Ewood.
The Frenchman worked with Callum Brittain and Cauley Woodrow at Barnsley as the Tykes secured a top six finish. He also worked with Emmanuel Dennis at Watford more recently.
“It feels very good for me to be here at Blackburn Rovers,” the new boss added. “Since my childhood, Blackburn Rovers has been a big name.
“I started my career with Strasbourg in 1994-95 and that was also the season that Rovers won the Premier League. To be the head coach of the club is something special for me.
“It’s a club I’ve come up against a lot in games in the Championship, and it’s always been a special name for me because that year was a very important year with Rovers winning the Premier League combined with memories with me.
“When you are a young player, you look at English football and Italian football, which was the same for me as a manager and a player.
“English football is something special for me, it’s something different, it feels different and the energy is different. I love it!”
