Blackburn Rovers Manager Valerien Ismael Departs by Mutual Consent
Championship side Blackburn Rovers have confirmed the departure of manager Valerien Ismael from his position at Ewood Park. The decision comes following a concerning run of eight consecutive matches without a victory, which has left the Lancashire club dangerously positioned in the relegation zone.
Ismael's Struggling Tenure at Blackburn
Valerien Ismael, who previously managed West Bromwich Albion between June 2021 and February 2022, leaves Blackburn Rovers sitting in 22nd place in the Sky Bet Championship table. The team has accumulated just 29 points from their 29 matches played so far this season, placing them three points behind fellow strugglers West Bromwich Albion.
Ismael originally joined Blackburn Rovers in February 2025, taking over after John Eustace's surprising move to Derby County. His tenure began poorly, with six defeats in his first seven matches in charge. However, he managed to steer the team to a respectable seventh-place finish last season, despite ending the campaign with four losses from their final five games.
This season has proven far more challenging for the French manager. The team's current winless streak stretches back to a 2-0 victory over Millwall on 20th December 2025, leaving the club at significant risk of relegation to League One for only the second time in the past decade.
Club Statement and Immediate Fallout
In an official club statement, Blackburn Rovers expressed their gratitude to Ismael for his efforts during his time at Ewood Park. The club confirmed that the departure was made by mutual consent and that they will immediately begin the process of identifying a successor to guide the team to safety.
The timing of this managerial change adds particular intrigue to Blackburn's upcoming fixtures. West Bromwich Albion, who secured a 1-0 home victory against Blackburn on the opening day of the season, are scheduled to travel to Ewood Park on 6th April 2026. This means The Baggies will likely face a new Blackburn manager in what could prove to be a crucial relegation six-pointer.
Potential Successors Emerge
With Ismael's departure confirmed, attention now turns to who might take the reins at Blackburn Rovers. According to reports from journalist Alan Nixon, former Norwich City and Huddersfield Town manager David Wagner has emerged as a potential candidate for the permanent position.
Wagner boasts significant Championship experience, having famously led Huddersfield Town to promotion to the Premier League in 2017 and keeping them in the top flight during their first season. However, his subsequent spell at Norwich City ended without achieving promotion back to the Premier League.
Another prominent name being linked with the vacancy is former West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic. The Croatian tactician, who hasn't managed in English football since his brief stint at Watford nearly three years ago, is reportedly being considered for a return to the Championship dugout.
Bilic's previous experience in English football includes managing West Bromwich Albion during the 2019-2020 season and achieving promotion with the club, before being dismissed in December 2020. His potential appointment would add further spice to Blackburn's rivalry with West Bromwich Albion during the run-in to the season's conclusion.
As Blackburn Rovers begin their search for a new manager, the club faces a critical period in their season. With relegation looming and crucial fixtures against direct rivals approaching, the appointment of Ismael's successor could prove decisive in determining whether the club maintains its Championship status or faces the prospect of third-tier football next season.
