TONY’S EAGER TO TEST HIMSELF IN PREM
BLACKBURN boss Tony Mowbray has spoken of his determination to prove himself against the likes of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp at Premier League level.
Mowbray is eyeing promotion to the top flight after guiding Rovers into a strong position in the Championship.
Despite nearly two decades’ worth of managerial experience, the 58-year-old feels that is the only way he can get back amongst the elite.
“I’d like to manage in the Premier League again,” said Mowbray, who led West Brom to the top division in 2008.
“I want to manage against Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, and prove you don’t have to be a sexy foreign manager to achieve.
“I believe you have to take a team up to manage there if you’re a Championship boss. It can happen (another way), but it’s unlikely if you’re a 58-yearold English manager.”
Blackburn are firmly in the mix at the top end of the Championship and will be plotting a path to automatic promotion.
Mowbray, who reached 250 games as Rovers boss this weekend after almost five years in the job, is pleased with the progress made.
“I want to thank the owners and the supporters for their patience,” he said. “It hasn’t always been as good as it is at this moment.
“It’s been an up-anddown journey. From relegation to League One, to the high of bouncing back, then mediocrity as a Championship team.
“This year, progression has come. I think the team is in a good place.”
Mowbray is out of contract in the summer and Rovers’ fate could have a bearing on his future, but the situation does not concern him.
“There’s been no talks, but I don’t worry about it,” he said.