Monk defiant after QPR beat Leeds

Leeds boss Garry Monk reassured fans they will have a team to be proud of despite the opening-day defeat by QPR.

Monk’s first game in charge got off to the worst possible start when they conceded in the opening minutes, defender Sol Bamba seemingly getting the last touch into his own net after a goalmouth scramble.

A second-half penalty conceded by Ronaldo Vieira allowed Tjaronn Chery to score Rangers’ second, before Sebastian Polter took advantage of hesitant Lewie Coyle defending to score the third.

Leeds fans barracked the players after the game, and again chanted for club owner Massimo Cellino to step down.

Monk said: “We had great travelling support and had the intention of getting the right result and the right start to the season.

“We feel for them, feel frustrated for them, but it’s a process and there will be ups and downs.

“We will make sure we get a reaction. They will have a team to be proud of.”

Monk felt individual errors were to blame for the defeat, and said a poor first half left the with too much to do.

He added: “We gave them too much respect early on, which allowed them to get on the front foot.

“I thought we started the second half much better. We looked the team more likely to score the next goal, and then we concede a penalty, which is a really big blow.

“It’s not how we wanted to start the season but it’s one game. I’m confident in the group, they have that ability and I’m sure they’ll show that in the coming weeks.”