Frustrated Kean settles for draw

Steve Kean appreciated the frustration of Blackburn’s supporters as his team failed to press Manchester United late in their 1-1 draw.

Blackburn led for much of Saturday’s English Premier League match at Ewood Park through Brett Emerton’s 20th-minute goal.

But United levelled through a Wayne Rooney penalty on 73 minutes, before controlling possession to see out a draw and secure their 19th league title.

Blackburn’s players might have attacked more in the closing exchanges, but Kean opted to preach caution, preferring to settle for a point rather than risking losing altogether.

“I could understand the fans wanting us to go and get the ball,” Kean said.

“But if we do, and Manchester United smash it up the other end, we might come out of the game with nothing.”

“When United scored, all of a sudden we were left with a dilemma.”

“They left four players high up the pitch, and tried to play a little bit of possession to run the clock down.”

“It was slightly frustrating at the end that we couldn’t actually get the ball, because they were just keeping it.”

“But we got a point closer (to safety) and kept our goal difference intact, which could prove to be vital point come next weekend.”

“We were a little bit disappointed at the end, because we’d managed to go and get our noses in front and I thought that the way we stuck to our guns in the first half and kept our shape was excellent.

“We probably needed the second goal, and had Martin Olsson’s header gone in rather than cannoning off the crossbar then we’d probably have taken all the points.”

Blackburn are now just one point above the relegation zone and face a must-win match away to Wolverhampton Wanderers next week if they are to secure their Premier League status.

“If someone had told the fans we were going to get a point against Manchester United, I am sure they would have been happy with that,” Kean said.

“We can’t control what happens in other grounds. All we can do is pick up points.”