Blackburn Rovers boss Steve Kean will not quit despite protest
- Published
Steve Kean's side suffered their worst home defeat in three years
Steve Kean insisted he will not resign as Blackburn manager despite sections of the home crowd demanding his exit during the 4-0 loss to Manchester City., external
There were loud calls for Kean to be sacked as Rovers suffered their fifth defeat this season, with some fans holding up 'Kean Out' banners.
But when asked if he would quit, Kean told BBC Sport: "Certainly not, 100%."
He later added: "If the fans want to vent their frustration I'd rather they vent it at me than the team."
A group of supporters staged a sit-in protest after the match and chants of "you're getting sacked in the morning" rang around Ewood Park.
Blackburn frustrated City to reach half-time on level terms but goals in the second period from Adam Johnson, Mario Balotelli, Samir Nasri and Stefan Savic helped Roberto Mancini's side to a comfortable victory.
The result sees Blackburn slip a place to 18th in the Premier League table with four points from their opening seven games.
They have failed to keep a clean sheet in 10 top-flight matches, winning just three of their past 20.
"I told the lads I will battle on for my players," said Kean, who will meet with the club's owners when he takes his squad to India next week.
"Even the ones I didn't bring to the club I consider my players. I'll take the criticism on my shoulders and take it away from them."
There was also a protest calling for Kean's dismissal before Blackburn's previous home game, against Arsenal.
Rovers went on to win 4-3 and the Scot believes the criticism is particularly unfair given that result, as well as City's undoubted quality.
"A couple of weeks ago it was very buoyant dressing room," he added. "Obviously we're disappointed with the manner of the goals because I felt in the first half our game plan was working well.
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"A couple of weeks ago we played Arsenal and got a fantastic result and most of the fans went home very, very happy.
"We've lost today and the fans are not happy, nor are the players, nor am I.
"But I think we have to put it in perspective. For the first 55 minutes the shape of our team was good and we minimised the chances of Manchester City, and it has taken a very good goal.
"We reacted by feeling a little bit sorry for ourselves and conceded another goal. It is certainly not something I am enjoying but I can take it on the chin."