QPR manager Gareth Ainsworth has asked that his players put their recent disappointments behind them as they prepare to begin their season against Leeds United on Wednesday evening, writes Will Castle.
The R’s have had a difficult start to the Championship season, finishing in the bottom three after winning just two of their first nine games.
Rangers’ troubles were exacerbated by a humiliating home defeat to Coventry City last Saturday, a game marked by egregious officiating blunders in Ainsworth’s opinion.
“The last few days have been tough,” Ainsworth told the club’s official website. “I feel for the boys.
“The first goal on Saturday was offside, we should have had a blatant penalty at 2-0 which shouldn’t have been 2-0 because their first shouldn’t have stood.
“But I can blame the referee all I want, now it is all about picking the boys up. I have got some good characters in the team, good players in the team.
“We must pick up the pieces from Saturday, lick our wounds and get back on the horse and ride as fast as we can forward again.
“We knew this season would be a tough one but there is a long way to go and we have definitely got enough in the building to climb the table. I want to do it starting at Leeds on Wednesday night.”
After limping off against Coventry, defender Morgan Fox is a doubt to feature for the R’s in West Yorkshire.
However, Ainsworth has received a double boost going into the contest – centre-back Jimmy Dunne is ready to return after a spell on the sidelines, while Jack Colback is back in contention following his three-game suspension.
“Jimmy [Dunne] is in the squad and will travel, which is a big bonus,” Ainsworth added. “He is a big character to have around – he is a voice, he is a leader and he is a bubbly guy, so having him around will add to the group.
Leeds (A) 🔜 pic.twitter.com/TtGt33ZQpz
— QPR FC (@QPR) October 3, 2023
“Jack [Colback] has proved already that he has a lot to contribute. He is very experienced and having him back in the squad is obviously a boost.”
Leeds have similarly endured an imperfect start to the season – they sit 12th, despite having retained much of the high-calibre talent they boasted in the Premier League.
Believing QPR’s league position is unrepresentative of their true quality, Leeds manager Daniel Farke will not be underestimating his midweek opponents.
He said: “In general, they [QPR] have a much better squad than their position.
“They had a tough start and aren’t in the best position, but when you look at the squad, it’s a really good squad.”
The gaffer looks ahead to Leeds 🗣 pic.twitter.com/zMKBIAgnxa
— QPR FC (@QPR) October 3, 2023
“Gareth Ainsworth was an experienced player who is now a coach, and he was fantastic in his previous clubs.”
“When you dig deeper, they’ve only conceded one goal in their last three away games.” So far, they’ve appeared steady away from home.
“I think and expect a team who is difficult to break down, because they sit compact, disciplined and deep.”
Leave a Reply