Sunderland boss Mowbray backs QPR

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Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray praised QPR after his side’s 3-0 victory at Loftus Road.

The result continued a terrible run which has seen Rangers slip from being Championship leaders in October to 17th place and without a win in 10 games.

Ilias Chair had a second-half penalty saved before two late goals from Jack Clarke sealed the win for the Black Cats.


Mowbray suggested the scoreline was “harsh” on Rangers – but also that he had managed to exploit their weaknesses.

He said: “I like the way they play. They gave us plenty of problems.

“They have a way of playing and we’ve obviously studied them. We felt at transitions we could hurt them.

“They play expansive football and try to build up – good when they get it right, probably dangerous when they get it wrong.

“Maybe if they hadn’t missed a penalty it would have been a different evening, you never know. In the end the last 10 minutes or so felt comfortable for us.

“But I have to say they’re a good football team. They’re not getting the breaks at the moment and are missing key players.

“QPR are a good team and have got good footballers. The scoreline was a bit harsh.”

Meanwhile, Neil Critchley insisted he is the right man to manage QPR after another miserable evening.

Rangers are now without a win in 10 matches, have won just one of their past 17, and one of their 11 games since Critchley took over as head coach in the wake of Michael Beale’s departure.

Asked if he feels he is the right man for the job, Critchley said: “I believe I am, yes. I believe in my own ability to get the best out of this group of players.

“I didn’t see a team that wasn’t together or fighting tonight. I saw the players having a go.

“But it’s mistakes that are killing us. Sloppy goals are killing us. I didn’t see a team that had given up or lacked heart or desire.”

Rangers’ slump began under Beale but their ​decline​ since Critchley took over means he is under pressure.

Critchley admitted: “I’d be lying if I said I was enjoying the situation and the run we’re on.

“But you know what you sign up for when you take the job as a manager. It’s a tough moment but you have to roll your sleeves up and fight.

“If you ask any coach what they need, it’s always time. I know what I want to do and how I want to do it. I have to find a way to get the best out of these players.”