Tag Archives: bosingwa

Fabio Capello trains at Chelsea for Russia v Brazil while Luiz Felipe Scolari and Yuri Zhirkov also return

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Capello arrives at Stamford Bridge with Blues looking for new boss… but he's here on official Russia duty

By
Rik Sharma

PUBLISHED:

13:18 GMT, 24 March 2013

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UPDATED:

13:34 GMT, 24 March 2013

So Fabio Capello has arrived at Stamford Bridge this season after all.

But don't worry Rafa, he's not here for a secret meeting with Roman Abramovich – instead to take charge of Russia in their glamour friendly against Brazil on Monday night.

Capello took a stroll through Kensington on Sunday morning and then led a training session for his squad on Chelsea's pitch – though Yuri Zhirkov was already well acquainted with his surroundings having played there for two seasons.

At the Bridge: Fabio Capello took a training session for his squad at Chelsea's ground

At the Bridge: Fabio Capello took a training session for his squad at Chelsea's ground

Capello (right) gets his point across

All together now: Capello talks to his Russia players ahead of the glamour friendly

All together now: Capello talks to his Russia players ahead of the glamour friendly

The 18million signing failed to make an impact – with Chelsea favouring a 4-3-3 system which did not accomodate his favoured left midfield position position.

Perhaps his best spell came when Ashley Cole was injured – he slotted in at left-back and performed well.

Zhirkov departed for Anzhi Makhachkala in August 2011 for close to 13m.

Old haunt: Yuri Zhirkov played at Chelsea for two seasons but struggled to make a lasting impact

Old haunt: Yuri Zhirkov played at Chelsea for two seasons but struggled to make a lasting impact

View from the Bridge: Russia's players prepare to face the likes of Neymar, Kaka and Oscar

View from the Bridge: Russia's players prepare to face the likes of Neymar, Kaka and Oscar

Capello was focused on the job at hand and had no time to discuss speculation over a move to Chelsea.

He said: 'I know nothing about this. I am really happy with Russia and focused to qualify for the World Cup.'

Capello's counterpart, Luiz Felipe Scolari, has history at Chelsea.

The World Cup winner had an ill-fated spell with the club in 2008, taking over from Avram Grant with Jose Mourinho's shadow still looming over the club.

Scolari brought in Deco and Jose Bosingwa and although he started well, things fell apart sooner rather than later.

Struggle: Luiz Felipe Scolari (left) was booted out by Roman Abramovich

Struggle: Luiz Felipe Scolari (left) was booted out by Roman Abramovich

He was out on his ear by February 9, with Abramovich wielding the axe as Chelsea's form dropped off.

Guus Hiddink came in and salvaged the season, taking them to the infamous Champions League semi-final tie with Barcelona and an FA Cup triumph.

Brazil's squad features three current Chelsea players – Oscar, David Luiz and Ramires.

David Luiz

Oscar

Home: David Luiz, who captained Brazil against Italy, and Oscar, right, play at Stamford Bridge every other week

The latter turned 26 on Sunday and although he missed the country's 2-2 draw with Italy, thanks to a strained right adductor, will be re-assessed before Monday's clash.

Defender Luiz posted this picture montage of him and Ramires on his Instagram account to celebrate his compatriot's birthday.

History: Luiz played with Ramires at Benfica and the pair are good friends now at Chelsea

History: Luiz played with Ramires at Benfica and the pair are good friends now at Chelsea

P.S.

At Chelsea, Luiz has little competition in the 'wild hairstyle' stakes (although youngster Nathan Ake makes a good fist of it).

But with Brazil, he is in good company. He posted this picture of himself with defenders Marcelo, of Real Madrid, and Dante, from Bayern Munich.

I want curly hair too: Luiz (centre) with Marcelo (left) and Dante (right)

I want curly hair too: Luiz (centre) with Marcelo (left) and Dante (right)

Clint Hill warns QPR players to fight or leave club

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QPR veteran Hill warns spineless players: If you don't want to fight, get out now

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UPDATED:

22:02 GMT, 29 December 2012

Queens Park Rangers defender Clint Hill has laid bare the dressing-room tensions at the Premier League’s bottom club ahead of the team’s crucial clash against Liverpool.

Hill revealed the discontent that the players who helped the club win promotion to the top flight felt when they were cast aside by previous managers Neil Warnock and Mark Hughes for a series of big-name signings, most of whom have failed to make any real impact.

And the 34-year-old veteran questioned whether the club’s imports had the desire to fight for Premier League survival.

Back in favour: Clint Hill (left) was overlooked by Mark Hughes at QPR

Back in favour: Clint Hill (left) was overlooked by Mark Hughes at QPR

‘Of course, I was hurt when I was dropped,’ said Hill. ‘And I’m not the only one. There were another 10 or 11 players who had done well for this club, bringing them up from the Championship. To see players who had fought for everything [discarded] is hard to take. We’re not nave enough to think that we didn’t need change, it’s just how much change.’

QPR have won just one game all season and are bottom of the table with 10 points. With games against Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham looming, they are likely to remain rooted at the bottom well into 2013.

New manager Harry Redknapp has already lambasted some of his best-paid players, claiming they are not giving value for money, and he fined Jose Bosingwa, a Champions League winner with Porto and Chelsea, 100,000 for refusing to sit on the bench for the recent clash against Fulham.

Hill, made captain by Redknapp for the game against West Bromwich Albion when Ryan Nelsen was absent, backs the boss’s stance on Bosingwa.

Bad books: Jose Bosingwa (left) was fined for refusing to be a substitute

Bad books: Jose Bosingwa (left) was fined for refusing to be a substitute

Hill said: ‘If you don’t want to go on the bench, then do you want to be here Do you want to fight Do you want to be in the scrap with your team-mates

‘We’ve all been on the bench, we’ve all been dropped, we’ve all been told we can go. But we all earn good money. If you can’t sit on the bench, there has got to be something wrong.
‘You want to be in this together. You want people next to you fighting for the cause. If you can’t sit on the bench and support the lads, then what are you doing here

‘We’ve got to be together and up for the fight. If you don’t fancy it, then January is round the corner, so off you go!’

Redknapp’s punishment of Bosingwa revealed the full-back’s 50,000-a-week wages and exposed the gulf in earnings between new signings and the pre-Premier League team. But Hill insists money is not an issue.

‘If you can get that money, then good for you,’ he said. ‘I’m more anxious about what players do on the pitch.’

Too much, too soon: Mark Hughes signed a whole new team in summer

Too much, too soon: Mark Hughes signed a whole new team in summer

The first wave of signings came when current owner Tony Fernandes bought the club in August 2011, with Joey Barton, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Armand Traore, Luke Young and Anton Ferdinand soon arriving.

When Warnock was sacked last January, Hughes brought in Nedum Onuoha, Samba Diakite, Bobby Zamora and Djibril Cisse during the transfer window, before almost an entire team was signed in the summer. Hughes bought Bosingwa and Nelsen along with Andy Johnson, Park Ji-sung, Esteban Granero, Rob Green, Julio Cesar, Junior Hoilett and Stephane Mbia, with Fabio Da Silva arriving on loan.

Of these, only Nelsen, now club captain, is an unqualified success. QPR also paid almost 7million in agents’ fees, the third highest in the Premier League behind Liverpool and Manchester City.

Hill suggests Hughes tried to build a new side too quickly. ‘When you look at the other teams that came up with us, Swansea and Norwich, they’ve done it gradually and brought big players in when they needed it,’ he said.

Struggling: Esteban Granero (right) has failed to live up to his billing at QPR

Struggling: Esteban Granero (right) has failed to live up to his billing at QPR

‘The players who came up from the Championship weren’t given enough trust. I think they could have done a job in this League. But all managers have their own transfer policies.’

Hill was voted player of the season by fans and players in 2011-12 but thought he would be sold on until Redknapp arrived five weeks ago and restored him along with Shaun Derry and Jamie Mackie from the promotion team.

Hill added: ‘I’m 34 and I’ve played most of my career in the lower leagues. You’re talking about a Champions League winner [Bosingwa] here and people who have won the Premier League and FA Cups. You hope there’s a desire within them. We need that as a team, as a unit. Everyone is frustrated and everyone is different. But it has to be hurting you to be bottom and to have won one game. If it isn’t, I’ve got to question them.’

Jose Bosingwa sickened QPR team-mates Ryan Nelsen and Clint Hill, says Harry Redknapp

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You're a disgrace! Bosingwa blasted by his own sickened QPR team-mates

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UPDATED:

13:35 GMT, 26 December 2012

Jose Bosingwa has been slammed by his QPR team-mates for refusing to sit on the bench during their win over Fulham earlier this month.

The former Chelsea right-back’s strop resulted in a fine of two weeks’ wages (130,000) and he has also left his future with the club in jeopardy.

Manager Harry Redknapp is furious with the 30-year old, and didn’t hesitate to reveal what his disgusted other players thought of Bosingwa’s behaviour.

Disgrace: Jose Bosingwa refused to sit on the bench for QPR

Disgrace: Jose Bosingwa refused to sit on the bench for QPR

‘The good lads would be sick,’ he told the Fulham and Hammersmith Chronicle.

‘There might be one or two of his pals who might think ‘Well, you know,’ but the Ryan Nelsens and Clint Hills and all the good lads all thought it was a disgrace.

‘That’s the first time it’s ever happened to me as a manager and I’ve managed some pretty temperamental players. I’ve never known anyone to do that.

Good lads: Ryan Nelsen (right) and Clint Hill were among those disgusted, revealed Harry Redknapp

Good lads: Ryan Nelsen (right) and Clint Hill were among those disgusted, revealed Harry Redknapp

‘It was something new to me and not something I like.’

QPR want to offload Bosingwa this January but given the player’s high wage demands – Chelsea declined the opportunity to take up the extra year on offer on his contract in the summer – he may be low on bidders.

Harry Redknapp plans QPR clear-out

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Redknapp plans QPR clear-out after blasting 'overpaid' remnants of Hughes' regime

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UPDATED:

22:30 GMT, 23 December 2012

Harry Redknapp is facing a fight to offload his ‘overpaid’ players as he plans a Queens Park Rangers clear-out.

The Loftus Road manager wants to raise cash by moving out the players he believes are surplus to requirements.

Speaking on Saturday after the 1-0 defeat at Newcastle, Redknapp said: ‘There’s an awful lot of players at this club earning far too much money for what they are – far, far, far too much money for their ability and what they give to the club.’

Clear-out: Redknapp (left) wants to trim his playing squad

Clear-out: Redknapp (left) wants to trim his playing squad

A number of former manager Mark Hughes’s signings are expected to be slashed from Redknapp’s squad in the next two transfer windows.

These include defender Jose Bosingwa, who was last week fined 130,000 by the club for refusing to sit on the bench for the club’s 2-1 win over Fulham. He will lead the planned exodus.

Without naming Boswinga, Redknapp said: ‘He didn’t want to be on the bench and didn’t want to be a substitute, so he went home.

‘He has been fined two weeks’ wages, 130,000. Not too bad for two weeks – decent isn’t it’

Sportsmail understands Djibril Cisse, Samba Diakite and Stephane Mbia, who were all signed on lucrative contracts by Hughes, are facing the axe.

Fined: Bosingwa (left) refused to sit on the bench for Redknapp

Fined: Bosingwa (left) refused to sit on the bench for Redknapp

But club officials fear the players on big salaries will not be easy to shift because they will not be prepared to take the significant wage reduction needed to secure a move elsewhere. Continuing his attack on players not justifying their high wages, Redknapp said: ‘I don’t really want to see the owners have their pants taken down like they have in the past. A lot of agents made money out of them.

‘I fined a player last week and he was earning more than any player earned at Tottenham (Redknapp’s previous club). You shouldn’t be paying massive wages when you’ve got a stadium that holds 18,000 people.

‘Newcastle holds 52,000 and most of their players will be nowhere near the wages some of the players are earning here.’

QPR will now fear relegation is beckoning after this defeat and skipper Ryan Nelsen revealed that Redknapp was not just angry at the amount of money some of his players earn.

Toon super sub: Shola Ameobi (left) celebrates his winning goal

Toon super sub: Shola Ameobi (left) celebrates his winning goal

‘The manager is not very happy. That’s our first defeat under him and obviously he hates losing,’ Nelsen said. ‘He’s not very happy at all, but everyone is a wee bit disappointed with that performance to tell you the truth.’

A late goal by Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi, on as a substitute, saw Redknapp’s side beaten 1-0 but Nelsen admitted the driving rain had made the game enjoyable to play in.

‘I love those conditions,’ the central defender said. ‘I’ve got to admit it was fun out there for most of the match. St James’ Park is one of my favourite places, especially with the rain lashing down and wind biting and the crowd is really passionate.

‘Maybe I’m just old and sentimental but that’s what English football is all about. Good old English football. It was like the Alamo at times. I swear I heard the horns and the cavalry coming.’

Harry Redknapp won"t force out Queens Park Rangers" high earners

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QPR's high earners determined to avoid being forced out as Redknapp's regime begins

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UPDATED:

22:30 GMT, 28 November 2012

Queens Park Rangers’ highly paid stars are determined not to be forced out of the club by Harry Redknapp.

The manager, who drew his first game in charge 0-0 at Sunderland on Tuesday, has been told he must sell to generate cash for new arrivals.

A number of players who joined the club in the summer on big-money deals, including Esteban Granero, Julio Cesar, Jose Bosingwa and Park Ji-sung, may be part of a Loftus Road exodus.

Going nowhere: The likes of Esteban Granero (right) are determined not to be forced out by Harry Redknapp

Going nowhere: The likes of Esteban Granero (right) are determined not to be forced out by Harry Redknapp

But the feeling within the dressing room is that some of the players on big salaries will not be easy to sell or prepared to take a significant wage reduction to move elsewhere.

Redknapp has been told he must generate money from player sales if he wants to spend heavily on fresh talent.

The new boss may look to offload either Cesar or Robert Green as they recommence their battle for the No 1 jersey.

After starting the season as first choice, Green was dropped by sacked manager Mark Hughes after the arrival of Cesar from Inter Milan.

However, Redknapp, who tried to sign Green for Tottenham, is ready to give the ex-West Ham man a chance to revive his club career.

Green played 45 minutes in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw at Sunderland and team-mate Ryan Nelsen is backing the England keeper to give Cesar a run for his money.

Bore draw: Redknapp watched his side draw 0-0 with Sunderland in his first game in charge

Bore draw: Redknapp watched his side draw 0-0 with Sunderland in his first game in charge

Hope: Rob Green made a fantastic save to keep Rangers on terms at the Stadium of Light

Hope: Rob Green made a fantastic save to keep Rangers on terms at the Stadium of Light

‘Rob is a fantastic professional, he works really hard every day,’ said the New Zealander.

‘Obviously he has been disappointed, we all understand that, but he never lets his guard down in training. He puts in a good shift and that’s really important. It shows he is a good role model for the younger pros and younger keepers and everyone else.

‘I’d have no qualms with him being first choice, he is just as good (as Cesar). There will be absolutely no problems him being in goal for us.’

Chelsea v Manchester City: Chris Foy will referee

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Referee Foy set to take charge of first Chelsea game since Terry racially abused Ferdinand

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UPDATED:

12:43 GMT, 22 November 2012

Chris Foy will this wekend take charge of a Chelsea match for the first time since he officiated their visit to Loftus Road when John Terry racially abused Anton Ferdinand

The 49-year-old has not refereed the Blues for more than a year after he sent off two of their players during the infamous Barclays Premier League fixture on October 23, 2011.

Foy awarded QPR the match-winning penalty in the 10th minute, then dismissed Jose Bosingwa and Didier Drogba as Chelsea lost 1-0.

Report: Foy (right) told police he did not hear anything from Terry or Ferdinand

Report: Foy (right) told police he did not hear anything from Terry or Ferdinand

Andre Villas-Boas slammed Foy at full-time, saying: 'I'm very disappointed with Chris's performance. With nine players we kept our emotions very well.

'Chris and his team managed to play an emotional game and they conceded to the crowd and committed tremendous mistakes.'

Foy then told police investigating Terry he did not hear anything from Ferdinand or the England captain.

Terry told the court at his criminal trial that Foy had heard Ferdinand's insults.

That is the background with which Foy will approach this weekend's standout game as league-leaders Manchester City visit Stamford Bridge.

Sunday's 4pm kick-off will be Rafa Benitez's first match in charge and it has the potential to be a tricky encounter to handle.

Mark Hughes responds to criticism from Martin Samuel: QPR must beat Southampton

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EXCLUSIVE: After being criticised in these pages by Martin Samuel, the QPR manager responds in his own words… 'I'm angry, the whole club's angry, so now WE MUST WIN

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UPDATED:

22:01 GMT, 16 November 2012

Make no mistake, Saturday's game with Southampton is massive for both sides and a potential launch pad for us in the Premier League.

Our chairman, Tony Fernandes, has called it a must-win game — and I can’t argue with that. As I said after the game at Stoke last week, we can’t keep simply playing well without being ruthless.

Only that ruthlessness will get us away from the foot of the table and only a consistent run of results is going to keep us out of trouble.

Under fire: Hughes side remain rooted to the bottom of the Barclays Premier League after 11 games

Under fire: Hughes side remain rooted to the bottom of the Barclays Premier League after 11 games

Martin Samuel on Mark Hughes

'Hughes was once tipped to follow Sir Alex into the United hotseat but now he's in a fight he can't afford to lose'

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

It would be easy to make excuses and point out the injuries to the likes of Andy Johnson, Fabio, Park Ji-sung, Jose Bosingwa, Armand Traore and Samba Diakite over the course of the season so far.

They’re not excuses but they have been a factor in where we find ourselves. The squad has been improved over the summer but we still can’t replace those guys like-for-like at the moment.

Through all that, we’ve shown we can play good football and that’s come out in games against Chelsea, Everton, Spurs and even at Stoke last weekend. Again, I come back to the need to be more ruthless when we’ve been on top.

Despite everything, if anybody thinks there’s a sense of panic among the players and the staff, they’d be wrong. There is a great potential at this club and we have to start realising that potential as soon as possible.

No joy: QPR have lost seven and drawn four of their league fixtures despite the number of new additions this summer

No joy: QPR have lost seven and drawn four of their league fixtures despite the number of new additions this summer

No joy: QPR have lost seven and drawn four of their league fixtures despite the number of new additions this summer

The players are angry. Angry they’ve
not got the results they think their football deserves. Angry they’ve
let down the fans, who’ve been superb. Angry the club is in this
position.

If there
wasn’t that anger there, I’d be worried. As a manager, you want the
players to have that fire, not to be moping around feeling sorry for
themselves. If that was the mood around the training ground, then I
would be worried and we’d be in trouble.

As
I said, I’m not panicking. Of course I’m upset, only a fool wouldn’t be
upset when you get to November and you are in the relegation zone and
there’s nothing in the victory column, no three points to our name.

But I’ve been here before when I
first took charge at Blackburn. We pulled out of that poor situation
and emerged a stronger group and a stronger club. That taught me time,
talent and hard work always pay off. I know we have all of those
qualities at Rangers. Last season when I arrived at Loftus Road it was
tough. We were charged by Tony and the board with saving QPR from
relegation and that’s what we did.

Yes,
it was tight but the home wins against the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool
and Stoke towards the end of the season were the key to our escape.
That’s the kind of form at Loftus Road we have to re-discover. Gritty,
tough, hard- working and disciplined, those are the qualities which will
see us right.

I read Martin Samuel’s column in these pages on Wednesday. I respect Martin’s views but if I had taken to heart half the things that have been said or written about me by him and others over the years, I would have walked away from football before I’d even started.

He talked about my track record and reputation being tarnished beyond repair by QPR’s current position. Firstly, it’s not about me at this stage, it’s about the players, my staff, the fans and the board. It’s about QPR. If I worried about my own reputation or about my ego being damaged, I wouldn’t have survived in football as a player or a manager for as long as I have.

Secondly, I truly believe every club I’ve ever managed I’ve left in a stronger position than when I arrived.

At Blackburn, we saw the club clear of relegation, finished sixth in my second season, 10th the next year and seventh in my final season. We also reached an FA Cup semi-final and regularly beat the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.

When I arrived at Manchester City, the club wasn’t in anything like a sound financial state and in my first month we were tasked with selling to raise cash.

Ruthless: Hughes is angry his team have dominated games but failed to win them

Ruthless: Hughes is angry his team have dominated games but failed to win them

Ruthless: Hughes is angry his team have dominated games but failed to win them

Ruthless: Hughes is angry his team have dominated games but failed to win them

Martin Samuel's column last Wednesday

Martin Samuel's column last Wednesday

But we oversaw a huge change in
structure and culture once Sheik Mansour arrived and leaving them with
the likes of Vincent Kompany and so many others remains something I take
real pride in.

I was only at Fulham a year but we
identified talent such as Mousa Dembele who they sold for a club record
in the summer at a huge profit as well as finishing eighth and being
profitable.

None of
this buys QPR three points, I know that. But what it does do is
underline the work I and my staff put in at different clubs and why
there is still so much self-belief at QPR.

With
the help of Tony and the shareholders — who’ve been nothing short of
magnificent in their support — I feel QPR are a stronger, better club
than it was when we arrived.

There’s been a huge overhaul of the
scouting structure and we’re identifying top-class talent from across
Europe, bringing in players of real pedigree and character.

The academy has made huge strides in the nine months we’ve been here and I honestly believe QPR will never be in a position where they nurture somebody like Raheem Sterling but lose him to Liverpool for just 500,000.

As one of the board said to me the other day, we’re not building something at QPR for six weeks or six months, the work we’re doing here will see the club survive and thrive for the next six years and beyond.

Obviously what counts more than anything, though, is getting that elusive first win against Southampton today. That’s what matters, that’s what will lift the whole club and the supporters.

The belief is there. The character is there. The determination is there. We know we’re better than the league table tells us.

We just have to start proving it.

Must-win: Hughes is under massive pressure to secure to secure the first three points of the season against the Saints

Must-win: Hughes is under massive pressure to secure to secure the first three points of the season against the Saints

Mark Hughes says QPR must tighten up in defence

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Hughes demands QPR tighten up in defence after League Cup exit to Reading

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UPDATED:

15:38 GMT, 27 September 2012

Mark Hughes is pleased with the way QPR are playing this season but knows his side need to tighten up defensively if they are to kick-start their Barclays Premier League campaign.

The west Londoners have yet to secure a top-flight victory, with their only win this season coming against npower League One minnows Walsall in the Capital One Cup earlier this month.

QPR missed out on the chance to get another morale-boosting victory in the competition on Wednesday night as fellow Premier League strugglers Reading twice came from behind to win 3-2 at Loftus Road.

We must improve: Mark Hughes watches on as Queens Park Rangers are beaten 3-2 by Reading in the League Cup

We must improve: Mark Hughes watches on as Queens Park Rangers are beaten 3-2 by Reading in the League Cup

Attention now turns back to league action and Monday's home clash with West Ham in which manager Hughes wants to see an improved defensive performance.

'We have conceded poor goals,' the Welshman said when asked what areas needed improving.

'The free-kick (by Nicky Shorey) was unstoppable, in fairness. It was a fantastic strike and obviously we conceded from a set play, which is always disappointing when you've given key roles and jobs to people.

'They need to mark people in the box and they didn't do that and the third goal (was a backheel in the six-yard box).

'We need to be a little bit more understanding of what is required in those key areas of the field.

Throwaway: The night was going so well for QPR, who twice led Reading through goals from Junior Hoilett (above) and Djibril Cisse (below)

Throwaway: The night was going so well for QPR, who twice led Reading through goals from Junior Hoilett (above) and Djibril Cisse (below)

Djibril Cisse celebrates his goal for QPR against Reading in the League Cup tie

'Once we get that a lot of the other stuff of our play is very good, but obviously we need to tighten up defensively.'

For QPR there are, though, mitigating circumstances as they are without a host of key defensive players.

Anton Ferdinand, Fabio, Armand Traore and Jose Bosingwa are all currently injured and set to be sidelined yet again when the Hammers come to W12 on Monday.

'I don't anticipate there to be any guys coming back,' Hughes said.

'Armand Traore possibly might start training next week but he won't be ready for selection. Apart from that, no (there won't be anyone back).'

New signing Stephane Mbia made his full debut in QPR's depleted defence on Wednesday night. The Cameroon international has struggled with a groin complaint since joining from Marseille and impressed on his first start for the Hoops, despite giving away a penalty late on.

Strong start: Stephane Mbia looked assured on his full debut in the QPR defence

Strong start: Stephane Mbia looked assured on his full debut in the QPR defence

'I thought he did fine,' Hughes said of Mbia.

'Obviously it was a different type of game to what he is probably used to, but for the most part I thought he looked strong and showed what a good player he will be for us.

'He hasn't played for a couple of weeks and hasn't had that many training sessions in fairness.

'I wasn't really anticipating having to play him for the whole match, but he came through it thankfully and he'll get better.

'It was a good test for him and he understands that this is the type of game that on occasions we'll have to play in both cup competitions and the Premier League.'

QPR plan clearout in plan to cut wage bill

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Green could top QPR clearout in plan to cut wage bill after summer spending spree

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UPDATED:

21:30 GMT, 3 September 2012

Queens Park Rangers will press ahead with plans to slash their wage bill when the emergency loan window reopens.

The Loftus Road club, who remain without a Premier League win this season, spent heavily during the summer transfer window on fresh talent.

High-profile players such as Park Ji-sung, Esteban Granero, Junior Hoilett, Jose Bosingwa and Julio Cesar have all joined Mark Hughes' revolution – but the signings have become a significant burden on a wage bill that was already inflated due to the spending sprees of the previous two transfer windows.

And owner Tony Fernandes will sanction a mini-clear out once the Football League loan window opens later this month, a task which will act as a prelude to a more extensive sale in January.

Short-lived: Rob Green looks set to leave QPR after only signing in the summer

Short-lived: Rob Green looks set to leave QPR after only signing in the summer

Among others, the likes of Luke Young, DJ Campbell and Rob Hulse will be made available, while goalkeeper Robert Green could also head out on loan after his future at the club was thrown into uncertainty thanks to the capture of Cesar from Inter Milan.

Rangers have already started the cost-cutting exercise, sending out big-earners Joey Barton and Jay Bothroyd on loan to Marseille and Sheffield Wednesday, respectively, during the closing stages of last week's transfer window.

Barton, meanwhile, has been on the receiving end of a scathing attack from former Manchester City team-mate Ousamane Dabo.

Unwanted: DJ Campbell is another who looks set to be cast out of Loftus Road

Unwanted: DJ Campbell is another who looks set to be cast out of Loftus Road

Barton was handed a four-month suspended jail sentence after assaulting Dabo during a training session.

'He is nasty, a traitor. Sometimes I get the impression we have rolled out the red carpet for him,' Dabo told French newspaper L'Equipe.

'I speak to remind people that Barton is a very violent player, far from the image he tries to portray since arriving at Marseille.

'We condemned Jeremy Menez, Samir Nasri and Yann M'Vila for little things and then the French media is very forgiving with someone who has committed horrible things, as recently as May.

'No one wanted him in England, that means there is probably a reason.

'(With our history) There was a trial, he pleaded guilty and accepted a four-month suspended sentence. When he speaks, he denies it, he said I initiated it.

'All the team members present during the assault testified in my favour. He says he is a man, a bad boy, but he is just a coward.'

Barton responded on Twitter, saying: 'I see Dabo is yet to move on, I feel for him. What happened was unfortunate.

'Next time he should think twice about throwing his weight about. If Ousmane wants to come to a Marseille game, have dinner and discuss it like adults, he's more than welcome anytime.'

Mark Hughes has problems at QPR

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His boss has a dream but Hughes faces harsh reality

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UPDATED:

22:44 GMT, 19 August 2012

After a 5-0 home defeat by Swansea City, QPR boss Mark Hughes has a sizeable in-tray to address on Monday morning…

Busy: Mark Hughes will have to get cracking on QPR's issues

Busy: Mark Hughes will have to get cracking on QPR's issues

Sort out the defence

They were woeful on Saturday: disorganised and slow to react to loose balls. Samba Diakite did his best to protect Anton Ferdinand and Clint Hill and they were left even more exposed as QPR tried to chase the game from 2-0 down, but the ease with which Kemy Agustien looped a ball over to Nathan Dyer for Swansea’s third goal was embarrassing.

Sort it out: QPR's defence, including Anton Ferdinand (right), need to get their act together

Sort it out: QPR's defence, including Anton Ferdinand (right), need to get their act together

Jose Bosingwa can come in at right back and Ryan Nelsen was on the bench, but QPR need at least one more recognised central defender. Goalkeeper Rob Green could do little with four of the goals, but was at fault for Michu’s first, which didn’t help matters.

New boys must gel

Five players made their debuts on Saturday and they must gel quickly. QPR play Norwich away next week and must get at least a point because it’s Manchester City away, Chelsea at home and Tottenham away in September. Rangers tended to perform slightly better against the bigger clubs last season but do not want to be heading into October without a point.

Link in: Junior Hoilett (left) and Park Ji-Sung (right) are two of the new boys

Link in: Junior Hoilett (left) and Park Ji-Sung (right) are two of the new boys

‘We have to pull our socks up almost immediately,’ said Hughes. ‘We can’t drift into 10 or 12 games until the realisation hits us.’

Deal with expectation

‘Dare to dream,’ wrote chairman Tony Fernandes in his programme notes. ‘We can build on last season and really look forward to a bright future.’

It is not the QPR way to do things quietly and the players have to use this overwhelming confidence as a positive, not see it as a burden. Loftus Road is a tight ground, wonderful for the home side when in the ascendency, but can quickly become claustrophobic if they’re not on top.

Big plans: Tony Fernandes knows where he wants the club to go

Big plans: Tony Fernandes knows where he wants the club to go