The game of football is similar to the game of life in several different ways. In both, you need a mix of commitment, dedication, industry and luck in order to win. The first three of the above mentioned attributes are more or less in the hands of the player, but luck is something which is sometimes not.

The phrase – “it seems even God is against him” is used quite often to depict an individual who’s luck seems to have run out, and one such individual at the moment is Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean.

Kean, who took over at the helm from Sam Allardyce last season following the takeover at the club by Venky’s has had a torrid time this campaign, with his team languishing in 19^th, already 4 points clear from safety.

With a team that looks easily good enough for a mid-table finish, Blackburn’s free-fall has been quite surprising, and it is wonder that the fans have turned to the manager for answers. Large sections of the supporters have already lost their patience with Kean, with “Kean out” banners a regular sight at Ewood park nowadays.

In a season where no manager has been sacked yet, Kean continues to believe and says that his side just need that little bit of luck to get out their present rap.

Judging by their performances this season, there are few who would argue with that. The Rovers have put in some good shows over the past few weeks, but unfortunately have had precious little to show for it.

Last week’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea prompted the fans at Ewood Park to continue their protests with great fervor, but even the fiercest of Chelsea fans would agree that Kean’s men did not deserve to leave the pitch empty-handed. Yakubu missed a couple of sitters and Branislav Ivanovic headed the ball onto his own crossbar in a match that saw Blackburn dominate Andre Villas Boas’ men for long periods.

The week before that, Blackburn gave up a 3-1 lead going into the last 10 minutes against Norwich City to see the game end 3-3. They had put a foot wrong throughout the game, but lapses in concentration in the final few minutes cost them two precious points.

They have only won one home game all season – a 4-3 victory against Arsenal. But performance-wise, there has hardly been anything worthy of criticism. It seems just like a matter of time before luck goes Blackburn’s way and the pressure on Kean gets lifted.

‘This period is massive,’ Kean told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

‘You look to the first phase of 10 games and it has been tough; I feel as though we should have another six points.

‘Now we have got games against teams around us and if our levels are as high as they have been then I am convinced we will pick up points and by the time we get to halfway we will be much in a much, much better position.’