Jensen excited by Blackburn role

13 January 2011 08:30

Former Arsenal midfielder John Jensen is delighted to be back in England's top flight after being named Blackburn assistant manager.

Jensen, 45, is teaming up with new boss Steve Kean, initially until the end of the season. The former Denmark international, who has been out of work since leaving Randers in October, will make his bow against Chelsea on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.

He said: "From what I see and hear this looks like a very exciting time for Blackburn Rovers, with the new owners and a new manager. I think I can bring knowledge and experience to the job and I also believe I can help players become better individually and the team to improve as a collective unit. I view it as a great opportunity."

Jensen won 69 caps for Denmark and scored the opening goal in the 2-0 victory against Germany in the 1992 European Championship final.

He was a key part of the Arsenal side that won the FA Cup and League Cup in his first season at the club (1992-93) and the European Cup Winners Cup a year later.

In 1999, he became player-manager of Herfolge BK and steered the club to Danish Superliga title for the first time in their history.

He later became assistant manager to Michael Laudrup both with Danish club Brondby and Spanish side Getafe, before having another spell as a manager, back in Denmark, with Randers.

Jensen gets his chance following the departure of Sam Allardyce and his assistant Neil McDonald.

Kean said: "John has a wealth of experience, both here and abroad, and he is very much focussed on the development of players.

"His views and philosophies on football dovetail with mine and he has also shown himself to be a very loyal assistant, a massively important factor for me. I am delighted to welcome him aboard."

Source: PA