Under significant pressure, QPR manager Gareth Ainsworth acknowledges that the songs and criticism directed at him by Championship club fans are reasonable. Despite this, he remains committed to fighting on and attempting to reverse the team’s fortunes following a 2-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday. The Hoops have now suffered five consecutive defeats, including two since the international break, and they face a tough match against league leaders Leicester City at Loftus Road.
In the game against West Brom, QPR initially frustrated their hosts at The Hawthorns, but their prospects dimmed when Kenneth Paal conceded a penalty by fouling Grady Diangana inside the penalty area. Jimmy Dunne was subsequently shown a second yellow card, leading to his dismissal. Brandon Thomas-Asante converted the penalty, and Diangana scored a second goal, ensuring West Brom’s victory. With matches against teams above them still to play, the four-point gap between QPR and safety could widen.
The majority of QPR’s fanbase appears to have lost patience with Ainsworth, and their frustration was evident during the match. Ainsworth responded to the supporters, expressing his determination to persevere. He emphasized his fighting spirit and commitment to turning the situation around, despite the fans’ understandable frustrations. He acknowledged that their current woes were due to issues like giving away penalties and receiving red cards, and he vowed to keep supporting his players.
Despite public backing from R’s CEO Les Hoos during the international break, there are reports suggesting that Ainsworth’s job may be at risk if QPR suffers defeats to West Brom, Leicester, and Rotherham United. The upcoming match against Leicester is expected to be particularly challenging due to the Foxes’ impressive form. However, the decision regarding Ainsworth’s future may ultimately depend on the match against Rotherham, who are also struggling and currently sit below QPR in the league table. A loss to Rotherham could persuade the club’s decision-makers that a managerial change is necessary.