QPR thrash Derby 4-0 in what was a miserable start for new boss John Eustace after leaving Blackburn earlier this week.
Ilias Chair scored twice, with Koki Saito and Ronnie Edwards also on target, with the result seeing Queens Park Rangers three points off the Championship playoff places, and Derby fall into the bottom three on goal difference.
Eustace was in the dugout just one day after his protracted move from Blackburn Rovers, who sit 5th in the table, was confirmed.
QPR boss Marti Cifuentes said, per BBC Sport:
“I liked a lot of things, first of all the ability to bounce back after a disappointing last game.
“I liked the fact that despite the fact we didn’t start well the game, I was pleased with the efficiency that we showed to take the lead and then to take a bigger advantage before half time.
“We were angry after the last game and we wanted the three points and I think that was very important.”
On Ilias Chair: “I think Ilias is one of the best players in the league. I’m pleased that today he scored two goals, he’s not too happy with me because he wanted the hat-trick and I subbed him.
“He’s a fantastic player and it’s a bit sad that we missed him for such a long time at the beginning of the season.
“I’m happy that he’s back [and] happy that he’s performing well.”
On Koki Saito: “Since day one he’s looked very into the pace of the game, so it was about what he needed to learn tactically about the game, about the league itself.
“He has been showing that he’s a really good player in the last third, fantastic in one v one on both flanks, especially on the left – he has a trademark where he is one v one on the edge of the box and is very difficult to stop.”
Derby County boss John Eustace said, per BBC Sport:
“Really disappointed with the result, I’ve learned a lot about the group tonight.
“I’m excited about working with them next week. There’s lots we can improve on and that improvement comes from work on the training ground.
“I think we started really well and the goal they scored knocked the wind out of our sails. And then you can see the group are lacking a little bit of confidence and unfortunately we didn’t defend the box well enough for the second, third and fourth goals, so lots to improve on and that’s what I’m excited about.”
John Eustace reflects on Derby’s 4-0 defeat to QPR & discusses their relegation battle 🐏 pic.twitter.com/2Ez7jbfAul
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 14, 2025
“I just want to enjoy tonight”
Marti Cifuentes plays down QPR’s play-off chances 🔵⚪ pic.twitter.com/GG9vbGEG7Q
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 14, 2025
He said to the club website: We’re disappointed in the result. I thought we started the game well, and then a wonder strike knocked the wind out of the sails. I’m learning about the group. We did a little bit of work yesterday on the grass, and I think it’s clear that the group were a bit lacking in confidence. We’ve got a good week now on the training pitch to get that confidence back in the group and get us organised and ready to go.
It’s something that we’ve now got to get out of our system. We’re going to have difficult moments, but we have to shrug them off and go again. It’s important that this club, and this group of players and staff, show that fighting mentality. We’re not victims out there. We don’t score enough goals, but we have to step up now and be together. The players have got to step up, the coaches have got to step up and we have to make sure everyone’s fighting in the right direction to keep this team in the league.
On togetherness and a fighting mentality being crucial in the last 13 games of the season…
It is important. We’ve had tough moments already. Tonight’s a tough moment, and now it’s important that when we come back to training on Monday we have a fantastic week’s worth of work. Then we can look forward to that challenge next Saturday against Millwall.
I’m learning about the group. I’m learning who’s ready for the fight. I’m really looking forward to the work on the training pitch. I can see areas that we can improve on, and I know we can do that. The hard work starts now to make sure we stay in this league. I knew the lads had that fighting spirit, that never-say-die attitude. And that’s [one reason] why I wanted to come to the club. Now we’ve just got to give them that confidence and belief that we can go anywhere and do well and win games.
On looking ahead to vital time on the training pitch…
Yes, definitely [eager to get to work in training]. You look at the two or three goals that we conceded this evening; we didn’t defend the box properly. We didn’t win enough duels. We didn’t put our bodies on the line and that’s all stuff that we can work on. That’s why I’m excited about working with this group. I know they’re hungry to make sure we stay in the league. I know that we’re really looking forward to playing at Pride Park next week in front of 30,000 and having that 12th man.
On preparing for his first home game in the dugout at Pride Park for the visit of Millwall on Saturday…
I know how powerful the fans can be. I can’t wait to step out in front of them next week and have a team ready to compete and show that fighting spirit that’s going to be needed. The fans were magnificent tonight. Derby fans are top, top draw and another reason why I’ve come to the club. I want to make them proud of this group. I know the group of players want to make them proud as well.
Twitter users reacted as QPR thrash Derby 4-0 in a miserable start for new boss John Eustace…
@whitecarz: John Eustace has asked for permission to speak with Blackburn..
@tombury89: Togetherness
@eagelgee: At least the commute home’s a lot easier
@BRFC1875_: You could have been the man to take us to them prem..
@FyldeCoastRover:
Took him just over 1 minute into his first post game interview to utter that magic word
‘Together’
Like clockwork 😂
@blakedcfc: Damage was already done before this game. We’re doomed.
@UpTheRs: Thanks 4 coming lads, safe trip h0me 🙂
@Zigiclegend19: I wouldn’t worry if you get relegated, despite what all your fans said it’s actually piss easy to win league one at the first time of asking. It’s not remotely difficult and you won’t be in for a shock at all. Best of luck for the rest of the season.
@paulbaz10: Lacking confidence come on they are footballers they strut about like peacocks in life, it’s a easy cop out
@StefanBroome: Said it ages ago, these players are more to blame for this than Warne, that statement we’re a league one side with a sprinkle of sugar on top was absolutely bang on, nothing will change while keep starting players like Osborn, NML, Jackson, Harness and bringing on Barkhuizen ect
@GuyPearson1: Yeh but when does the hard work on the training ground actually start? 🤔 🤣
@FR27Design: No doubt Eustace will be a great manager for Derby long term, he’s proven how good he is every job he’s had, however you couldn’t write a worse start for him, losing to the same team he lost too 10 days ago in a awful performance
@RichLew82: It beggars belief why you’d leave a club in and around the play offs for one who’s fighting to stay up. I can only think they offered him big bucks to go there, regardless of the fact he is a former Derby player. This could bite him on the arse.
When you have Tom Barkhuizen on the bench instead of Cantwell and Dennis pic.twitter.com/cPn0ZDwQGr
— i dont have a name (@vvoidlap58) February 14, 2025
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