Santa Cruz: Any big-name Blackburn signings must be prepared to battle

Roque Santa Cruz has no problems with big-name signings arriving at Blackburn Rovers, providing they have the mental toughness when the going gets tough.

The Paraguayan international was a big success in his two seasons at Rovers from 2007 to 2009, scoring 29 goals in 70 appearances at Ewood Park, and now returns on loan from Manchester City.

"Big names usually play in teams that don't lose very often," the 29 year old told the Daily Express.

"It is not easy to get your head around going to a team where you might lose some games.

"Normally, people playing in the big teams are winners - they don't want to lose any games at all. Nobody wants to lose but it is something you cannot avoid when playing for a team like Blackburn.

"If you go away to Manchester United and lose 7-0 - nobody wants to lose that way. But if you lose 1-0 or 2-0 at Chelsea or Arsenal - these are games you are allowed to lose. It is not going to be make or break . "

Ultimately, Rovers' pursuit of Beckham and Ronaldinho failed, with the former now training with Tottenham and the latter heading back to his native Brazil.
Reflecting on his time with big-spending City, he added: "It is strange playing for a club that can just sign anybody,"

"It is hard to understand because the economy is not what it used to be but they can afford anything and do what they want.

"Money is not a 100 per cent guarantee of success, though - Real Madrid did not win La Liga last year. And at the same time in England, somebody like Manchester United has a culture of football and the mentality of winners. You cannot buy that."

 
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