LONDON – Blackburn are preparing to spread the English Premier League gospel in India as part of an Asian tour later this year, manager Steve Kean confirmed Tuesday. Blackburn, who are owned by Indian poultry giants Venky’s, are in talks to play a friendly against Brazilian outfit Flamengo in India before moving on to Hong Kong to play in the Premier League Asia Trophy.
Kean confirmed the plans after holding talks with Rovers owners in late March.
“It was a very good meeting. We spoke about pre-season and we are probably going to play a game against (Brazilian side) Flamengo in India before moving on to Hong Kong for the Premier League Asia Trophy,” he said. “We will probably do a pre-season camp in Europe and then have quite a long stint in India and Hong Kong – it will probably be a 13 or 14-day trip.”
“The quality of the games will be good and it will be an opportunity to globally expand the club,” Kean added. “We just want to show other parts of the world who have not seen the team play, that is one of the main ideas of the owners, to expand who we are in emerging markets.” Venky’s stewardship of Rovers has endured a stormy start following the shock sacking of former manager Sam Allardyce.
The club has also struggled on the pitch, lying only two points above the relegation zone. Kean insisted the owners had made a long-term commitment to the club. “They are very excited about the future and it is my job to make sure the future is going to be bright,” he said.
