Post by Macmoish on Aug 16, 2023 9:10:53 GMT
QPR
Ainsworth: The boys have set the tone
FRESH from Saturday’s impressive league win at Cardiff, QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth is looking forward to seeing his team run out at Loftus Road for the first time this season as we prepare to welcome Norwich City in the Carabao Cup.
Wednesday's first-round tie – the first fixture of an East Anglian double-header what with Ipswich Town’s visit to W12 on Saturday – kicks off at 7.45pm.
“I’ve said to the boys that they’ve set the tone now, with the way they pressed and forced Cardiff into mistakes,” Ainsworth told www.qpr.co.uk.
“Everyone played their part – fans included and now we’ve another challenging week to come.
“I can’t wait to get back to Loftus Road and I’m looking forward to the game. It’s another opportunity for the players to show me what they can do.
“We want to be competitive and we want to get into the next round of the competition.
“There will be some changes from Saturday given that it’s a three-game week, but I’m really looking forward to taking on a good side in Norwich. David Wagner will also want progress in the competition – let’s see what happens.
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“We put on a brilliant performance on Saturday, at a tough place away from home.
“The boys came up trumps and I want that week in, week out – that’s why there’ll be a few rotations.”
Jack Colback continues to wait for his QPR debut while Chris Willock missed the trip to Cardiff with a knock.
Ainsworth also provided an update on Jimmy Dunne and Jake Clarke-Salter.
“Jack has unfortunately been ill and Chrissy had a knock,” he said. “They’re two huge players for us.
“We’re hoping Jack will be in and around the squad this week.
“Jimmy’s an eternal optimist but he’ll still be out for a period of time.
“However, Jake is back out training, which is absolutely superb. We’re really pleased that these boys are going to be back in the mix and looking forward to seeing what we can do with them.”
www.qpr.co.uk/news/2023/august/15/ainsworth-pre-norwich/