The home fans needed little encouragement to vent their anger at Venky’s, the leadership team and Valerien Ismael. Yet they were given plenty as Rovers found themselves two down inside eight minutes.
It was game over from that point with Rovers trying but to little effect to get back in the game. Even Boro took their foot off the gas and coasted for the remainder of the contest with the points sewn up.
It a repeat pattern since Ismael took the reigns. Two down in seven at Derby, Cardiff scored after four minutes and two in eight for Boro. Even at Stoke and Portsmouth, they conceded around the 20th minute and started slowly against Norwich.
Whilst the players have to take their share of responsibility, you have to question whether the pre-match preparations are right. Is Ismael doing the right things to motivate and energise his players? The pattern would suggest not.
It is one debate as to whether the players should need that. But regardless, you have to adapt as a head coach, even if it is not your style.
Valerien Ismael chants
Whilst Venky’s and the board took most of the first-half flak, Ismael was in the firing line after the break. Chants of ‘Ismael, time to go’ and ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ rang out from Ewood.
It has been a disastrous start and the performance are not getting any better. Rovers look completely toothless, as well as losing their defensive structure which at least made them hard to beat.
