Liverpool v Cardiff City: Malky Mackay focused on 'doing his job properly' despite threat of sack from owner Vincent Tan

The Bluebirds' manager could be taking charge of the side for the final time after Tan issued a 'resign or face being sacked' ultimatum

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay gives the thumbs up to fans ahead of their match against Liverpool (GETTY IMAGES)

Cardiff manager Malky Mackay is focusing on “doing his job properly”, despite facing the prospect of imminent dismissal.

Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan sent Mackay a detailed letter on Thursday which concluded with him ordering the Scot to resign or be sacked.

Cardiff sent out assistant boss David Kerslake for Friday's pre-match press conference as speculation raged about Mackay's future, with discussions taking place between club directors throughout the day.

Tan flew into the UK from Malaysia in the evening, although this was a scheduled trip and not related to the manager issue, and he held talks with chairman Mehmet Dalman, whom Mackay regards as a close ally.

The manager arrived at Anfield on the team coach and insisted he was concentrating on the match.

"My duty is to my team, coming up against a team like Liverpool, the focus is on the job in hand," he told BT Sport prior to kick-off.

On the support he has received from fellow managers and fans, he added: "It's been quite humbling, a lot of people in a very good position have said some nice and kind things. It's nice to hear but I need to make sure I do my job properly."

And asked if he had a message for the fans, he said: "The message doesn't change. Support your team, get behind the team."

Mackay gave a thumbs-up to the supporters waiting to greet him as he stepped off the coach before disappearing into the stadium.

Prior to the bus' arrival supporters who had made the trip up from south Wales sang a song along the lines of 'Don't sack Mackay...if you do you'll have a riot on your hands'.

Mackay later emerged on to the Anfield pitch and his appearance was immediately greeted with cheers and chants of his name from the few fans who were already inside the stadium.

The Cardiff manager looked relaxed and even managed a laugh or two with members of his backroom team as they gathered in a group.

He then spent several minutes on his mobile phone before waving to acknowledge the growing away end singing his name and heading off down the tunnel with one final thumbs-up.

PA