Arsene Wenger has empathised with beleaguered Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean.
Kean has been criticised by Rovers fans in recent weeks due to a poor start to the season. The club currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table after three losses and a draw.
Arsenal boss Wenger, whose own club have suffered a lacklustre opening to the campaign, has stressed that Kean is in an unenviable position.
“I have a lot of sympathy for Steve Kean. He is a young manager and you want to give him time to do his job," Arsenal's official website quotes him as saying.
“A lot of the time you complain that the English managers do not get a chance and I can understand that, but when they do get a chance you must give them time. It's hard for everybody, even for those who manage for 30 years.
“I just believe this job is difficult. Everyone who has been in it knows it, and how much depends on the situation you are in at the moment. When you don't win at the start it's difficult.”
A 1,000-strong contingent of Blackburn fans are expected to march outside Ewood Park on Saturday to show their displeasure as the club play host to Wenger's side.