Blackburn manager Steve Kean says he didn't expect his team to be enthusiastic about another battle for Premier League survival this season.
Rovers, who escaped the drop with a three-2 win at Wolves at the final day of last season, have to win their remaining two games to have a gamble of staying up.
"I didnt expect it to return to this," said Kean, whose side host Wigan on Monday.
"We need to be sure we not sleep. Im still convinced we will do it."
Keans side tackle relegation rivals Wigan before going to Chelsea at the final day of the season.
Besides the fact that 19th-placed Rovers, who've lost six in their last seven games, pick up six points with wins against the Latics and Chelsea, they still need two of QPR, Wigan and Bolton to lose their respective final games of the season, in addition to a goal difference swing to move for them.
However, an optimistic Kean said: "i believe as though [this game against Wigan] can provide a favorable edge.
Premier League permutations
- Blackburn: Could be relegated in the event that they dont beat Wigan
- Bolton: Have to beat Stoke and hope QPR and Wigan lose their final games
- Wigan: Would be safe in the event that they beat Blackburn; a draw might be enough
- QPR: Shall be safe in the event that they beat Man City; a draw may be enough
- Premier League table
"Sometimes you may examine the men and think they're a little bit nervous and there's a negative energy, but they've looked bright and sharp at the training ground."
However, Blackburns 1995 Premier League title-winning captain Colin Hendry doesn't share Keans optimism.
He told BBC Sport: "Unfortunately its looking pretty ominous for them - its a tremendous night, they need to win the sport."
Hendry offered his support for his fellow Scot, who has endured numerous protests and calls from supporters for him to be sacked, adding: "Its been a tough time for him. Hes handled himself with extreme dignity.
"This can be a minority thats campaigning, having some of these demonstrations about what should happen.
"By far and away most of the people are behind the team and behind the executive, all they need to do is see survival, over whats happened this season and the way its gone, they only want their team to outlive."
Wigan will be sure in their Premier League survival with a victory at Ewood Park, while a draw would all-but guarantee their safety, given they've got a goal difference nine better than 18th-placed Bolton.
Manager Roberto Martinez is simply not playing for the draw though.
"We cant try this, weren't that form of team," he said.
"Were a team that should get at the ball and control games ourselves. We have to be brave in attack and defend with good intensity."
From WhatNewsToday.net
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