Manager offers his thoughts on Wanderers' clash with QPR
Despite seeing his side defeated by Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Tuesday evening, Dougie Freedman was pleased with the effort shown by his players, with the manager confident that the tide will turn sooner rather than later.
Goals from Charlie Austin and Karl Henry either side of the break had seen Wanderers fall two behind – a scoreline which arguably flattered the hosts – with Jay Spearing’s late goal proving to be a scant consolation on the night.
A final result which the Scot admitted was difficult to take given the Whites’ display against Harry Redknapp’s side, Freedman explained that the players can certainly take solace from their performance against the R’s.
“I was very proud of the effort and commitment that they showed – it was a close game,” he said following the final whistle. “At times, QPR were ruthless and their defending was the difference but we kept on going and I’m very proud of their efforts.
“We hit the crossbar and their keeper has pulled off two wonderful saves, so the key to it is to stick together and keep on putting in these performances because it will change.
“I thought our game plan worked really well and the lads stuck to it perfectly tonight. QPR are very ruthless though when it comes to snuffing out certain situations.
“I think we could have been stronger on one or two occasions when we broke on them, but saying that their keeper has pulled off a couple of excellent saves.
“We were also dealt a bit of bad luck in the opening seconds of the game with the incident surrounding Tim Ream – he has come off with what looks like a broken nose and we feel their player was lucky to still be on the pitch.
“Young Hayden White came into the fold however and acquitted himself very well indeed.”
He added: “Our lads will never give up – that’s the key to it. We’ve had a difficult couple of weeks, but this team are fully committed and are a great bunch of lads to work with. Things will change if we keep on believing it.
“Those who were there tonight will have seen a very good performance with not a lot in it, but credit to QPR.”
With Wanderers back on the road again this weekend with a trip to Portman Road on the agenda, Freedman explained that he has every confidence that his side will start to reap the rewards of their hard work if they continue in a similar manner.
“There are some big games coming up and we’re looking forward to them, starting with Ipswich away and then a couple of derby games at home,” he said.
“I firmly believe that if we produce similar performances to what we’ve seen tonight, I’m certain we’ll get the result we deserve.”