‘Not the worst time’ to play City – Redknapp

Harry Redknapp hopes QPR can maintain their recent improved form and add to Manchester City’s woes in Saturday’s game at Loftus Road.

City manager Manuel Pellegrini said his side were suffering “a crisis of confidence” after their 2-1 home Champions League defeat by CSKA Moscow.

“It happens in football. It is a game of confidence. It’s a very up and down game,” said Rangers boss Redknapp.

“City have still got fantastic players and probably the best player in the Premier League at the moment in Sergio Aguero.

“It’s not the worst time to play them. It’s still going to be a very difficult game, but it’s not the worst time to play them.

City drew 0-0 on their last visit to Loftus Road, in January 2013
City drew 0-0 on their last visit to Loftus Road, in January 2013

“They’re not in the sparkling form they have been in and they will get back to that at some stage I’m sure, but at the moment they’re not playing with the same freedom and flair.

“They still beat Man United in the derby and are still a dangerous side. They’ve just had a blip.”

Following a dismal start to the season which attracted much criticism, Rangers were far more competitive in their recent win over Aston Villa and narrow defeats against Liverpool and Chelsea.

Redknapp believes they will have to repeat that kind of intensity to have a chance against the champions.

He said: “Whenever you play Man City it’s always a difficult game. They’re a fantastic squad of players.

“For me, them and Chelsea will be fighting it out for the championship. So it’s a tough game again.

“We’ve got to play with the same commitment as we did against Chelsea, Villa and Liverpool. If we do that we’ve got a chance.

“But we know it’s a tough game. You can’t kid yourselves. They’ve not become a bad team overnight. They’ve got fantastic ability and a good manager.”

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