Valérien Ismaël admits it is “not normal” to take charge of a club already in the thick of a play-off race – but is determined to help seize a “great opportunity”.
Rovers currently sit sixth in the Championship table, only behind fifth-place West Brom on goal difference, following a promising campaign to date.
Ismaël says it wouldn’t make sense to come in and “change everything” heading towards the business stage of the campaign.
“It is not normal,” he reflected. “That period of time where you are talking to clubs, and it has happened in the last few months, generally the club are in a difficult situation or battling relegation.
“Sometimes it is a difficult decision to take as a manager because you see the risk as well. But in this situation, it was something new – even for the club, in that position, to seek a new manager.
“It is a great opportunity to do the job, get to know the players, the club and supporters. It is clear you won’t come in and change everything.
“It is more to be tactful with the situation – just to support the players and try to get the job done.”
The new head coach says the players deserve credit for their season so far but insists there is still plenty of work to be done.
“This is a great situation for the players,” he continued. “They have put themselves in this position for the fans to have the dream in their minds, but there is still a long way to go.
“Twelve games remaining sounds like it is not too much but, in the Championship, you need resilience until the end.
“We are in a position now where we are able to achieve something and the players, the fans, everyone working at the club dreaming.
“This is why we do the job, it is a better situation than fighting against relegation. We are allowed to dream but the hard work must be done on the pitch.”
Ismaël began his playing career in France the same season Rovers lifted the Premier League title under Kenny Dalglish.
The ex-Barnsley and Watford boss believes there is “potential” to get back to the top flight but knows there is strong competition to finish above the dotted line.
“I think the potential is there,” he said. “If you want to deserve it, you have to work hard and make sure you take the games one by one.
“The club was part of the Premier League for many years and it is clear that everyone wants to go back where the club belongs.
“It is clear with all the memories, when you think about the Premier League and what it means for Blackburn Rovers, it is a great feeling now to have that dream in the mind. But there is a long way to go and hard work because everyone wants to get the spot.”
