Hasselbaink insists QPR are ‘fine’ despite poor results

QPR boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has insisted that QPR are in decent shape and must take a long-term view despite their recent poor results.

The Rangers manager has been criticised by many fans, particularly following the 6-0 defeat at home to Newcastle.

His team have since been beaten 2-1 at Huddersfield and lost by the same scoreline against Sunderland in the EFL Cup.

But Hasselbaink believes there has been an over-reaction to a difficult spell for Rangers, who are 16th in the Championship table.

“Let’s not forget we are only four points off the play-offs,” he said.

“Let’s also keep things in perspective. We are changing a lot, the budget has gone down drastically and we have brought in seven young players.

QPR led against Sunderland on Wednesday
QPR led against Sunderland on Wednesday

“The likes of Jake Bidwell, Jordan Cousins and Idrissa Sylla are young players. The only older one is Joel Lynch because we needed an experienced centre-back.”

The Dutchman added: “There’s lots of panic, but we are fine!

“Do I want to lose 6-0 at home to Newcastle? No. It’s not in my nature and we shouldn’t have lost 6-0.

“Did we get the right response against Huddersfield? The first 40 minutes, yes. But after they scored we felt a little bit sad for ourselves.

“In the second half there though I saw a team that really wants it and is hungry.”

Rangers, who are at home to Birmingham on Saturday, have struggled to create chances since starting their season with encouraging wins against Leeds and Cardiff.

“We are still improving and we are going to keep on improving, keep on working, and we will be competitive,” said Hasselbaink.

“But we have to understand everything that is going on. We are not the QPR that pays all that money anymore. We have to do it differently.”