Blackburn boss Steve Kean has said he expects to be given funds in January in a bid to help move the club away from the foot of the Premier League table.
Rovers sit bottom of the table going into a Boxing Day fixture at Liverpool and Kean’s position has been speculated over for much of the season.
But Kean insisted he had held positive talks with owners Venky’s, adding: “We spoke about the transfer window and the need to get defenders in.
“It was a very positive conversation.”
After Blackburn’s 2-1 defeat by Bolton on 20 December, Kean’s position was described as “becoming untenable” by former Rovers player Kevin Gallagher, while many fans have continued to call for the manager to be replaced.
Steve Kean
However Kean has suggested that if he can get in defensive reinforcements he can turn the club’s fortunes around.
“I told [the owners] I think we can get these players and let’s push on and get them in the early part of the window so we can have a good amount of bodies and good competition for places once the other lads get out of the treatment room.
“We talk about what I feel is the most important things. The conversations have mostly been about players’ health and players coming in,” said Kean of a squad that has been deprived of defenders Ryan Nelsen, Scott Dann, Martin Olsson and Gael Givet during the season, while goalkeeper Paul Robinson is also a doubt for Boxing Day.
Kean has also been given some support from the man he will pit his wits against at Anfield.
“I don’t think [the abuse Kean gets from fans] is helpful and I think it is sad really that it has come to that, but that is the way it is,” said the Liverpool manager.
“I think it is unfortunate that as a manager you know that results are going to count and if you don’t get them then you are running the risk of getting your P45 (sacked).
“Results aren’t purely down to what the manager does, he needs support from the players, owners and certainly the crowd.”
