Valerien Ismael Departs Blackburn, Club Faces Championship Relegation Zone
Valerien Ismael has departed from his position as head coach of Blackburn Rovers amid a troubling season. Appointed in February 2025, Ismael’s tenure lasted only one year. The team is currently in the Championship relegation zone, three points away from safety.
Blackburn’s Relegation Struggles
Under Ismael’s direction, Blackburn has not won any of its last eight matches. The team’s recent performance led to his departure, which was confirmed by a club statement on Monday. The statement noted that Ismael left by mutual consent, alongside assistant coach Dean Whitehead.
Final Game and Coaching Transition
Ismael’s last match in charge was a home loss against Hull City. Following this defeat, Blackburn Rovers expressed their gratitude for Ismael and Whitehead’s contributions. The club announced plans to find a new head coach promptly and stated there would be no further comments until an appointment is made.
Upcoming Matches and Future Prospects
Blackburn’s next challenge is against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night. A victory in this match could help the team escape the bottom three. The club has yet to announce who will manage the team for this fixture.
Potential Replacement Candidates
According to Sky Sports News, several names are being considered for the head coach position at Ewood Park. Prominent candidates include:
- Tony Mowbray
- Slaven Bilic
February Fixture Schedule
As Blackburn aims to turn its fortunes around, they have several key matches lined up in February:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| February 3 | Sheffield Wednesday | Home |
| February 7 | Norwich City | Away |
| February 14 | Queens Park Rangers | Away |
| February 20 | Preston North End | Home |
| February 24 | Bristol City | Home |
| February 28 | Derby County | Away |
As the search for a new head coach continues, Blackburn Rovers remains focused on improving their standing in the Championship.
