Gareth Ainsworth sure he can turn things around at QPR after loss to Blackburn
Posted Sunday, October 08, 2023 by PA
Gareth Ainsworth insisted he can turn things around at QPR after a 4-0 defeat at home to Blackburn increased the pressure on him.
Ainsworth is determined to stay on as boss but his future looks uncertain after another dire performance.
Rangers have won just once at Loftus Road since last October and an 11th home game without a win set a new club record.
They almost went down under Ainsworth last season and are currently third from bottom in the Championship, having so far justified being one of the favourites for relegation this term.
But Ainsworth declared: “I’m a fighter and a scrapper. I’ll get this team out of this, no problem – I’ll get this team higher in the league. I’m going to work really hard to get out of this.
“For some reason it’s not clicking at the moment. I’ve got to work really hard on the training ground and I will do that.
“I believe we’ve got a better squad than when I first came. It didn’t show today, but I’m super-confident we’ll get points.
“I can stand in the mirror and know I give my best. If that’s not good enough then I’ll be told. But at the moment I intend to keep going and make myself and these players better.”
Ainsworth was a popular figure among R’s fans during a seven-year spell as a player at the club, but he has faced criticism for his direct style of play and the home crowd made their discontent clear during the game and after the final whistle.
Ainsworth said: “I understand the criticism totally. And if that criticism stays with me and away from the players, then give it to me. I can take it.
“I’ll give my all. I’ll give absolutely everything until somebody tells me not to.
“I’m really pleased with the application of some of the young players here. I think we’ve got a good future.
“But in the present, we’ve got to get points on the board, otherwise we’ll be in a relegation battle.
“That wasn’t good enough and I know it. I apologise to the fans. I’m not saying that was an acceptable performance.”
Blackburn boss Jon Dahl Tomasson said he never doubted his side despite them losing four matches in a row prior to their emphatic victory.
The Dane said: “Sometimes players can lose confidence, but they stuck to the plan.
“We’ve been playing good stuff, there have been a lot of positive things, and it’s great to have a win before the international break.
“I’m just sticking to the plan and the progress with this young team. We’ve played some great football and normally if you do the right things you will get wins.
“There’s maybe been a bit of noise, but if you keep playing you will get results.”
Arnor Sigurdsson scored twice and there were also goals for Tyrhys Dolan and Sammie Szmodics in a thumping win for Rovers, who were the better team throughout.
Tomasson said: “I’m thrilled with the result and the performance. Going away in the Championship and winning is not easy. It’s a brilliant result.
“We probably didn’t play our best game today but the connection was better and we scored goals.
“We also kept QPR from getting big chances. We were solid, which was important, and the goals were great.
“Scoring the goals was important and credit to the lads – this was a deserved victory.”
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