QPR boss backs under-fire defender at West Ham Oct 04, 2014 08:00 By Jacob Murtagh 0 Comments Rs Manager insists central defender will come good Worth the shirt: Ferdinand (L) and Redknapp Harry Redknapp has backed Rio Ferdinand to silence his critics ahead of the defenderâs 500th Premier League appearance tomorrow. The QPR centre-back has come in for some flak following a slow start to the campaign that has seen his new club leak 13 goals in six games â the second most in the top flight. However, Redknapp reckons the 35-year-oldâs errors are being highlighted due to his high profile. He said: "I don't think it's fair. Youâll always pick on the big players but I didnât see him make too many mistakes against Southampton last week. Itâs probably because heâs high-profile. "We've shipped miles too many goals. We've been a bit open and we need to tighten up. I've got no problems with Rio. We've got experienced players but you've got to be solid in front of them." Ferdinand will become only the 11th player to reach the landmark if he features against his former club West Ham at Upton Park. And Redknapp reckons the player he signed as a kid two decades ago was always destined for big things. The Râs boss added: âHe was only 15 and I saw the potential in him then. I said he would be the best defender in Europe because he was on another level. I knew he was going to be a big player.â Keep up to date with all the build-up, matchday and post-game reaction to West Ham v QPR right here on GetWestLondon
I don't think it's fair. You’ll always pick on the big players but I didn’t see him make too many mistakes against Southampton last week. It’s probably because he’s high-profile. _______________________________________________________- He didn't have a bad game, but his lame little chipped ball did lead to our goal. Saying that, he did look far more focused than in previous games.
QPR boss Redknapp: ‘Unfair to criticize Rio Ferdinand, our midfield’s been too open’ [Video] By Paul Updated: October 4, 2014 Share 8 0 Feeds: Harry RedknappQPRRio Ferdinand Sam Allardyce: 'I was disappointed Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal didn't invite me for post-match drink' ← Previous Story Next Story → Always read the fine print! Daniel Sturridge's new Liverpool contract is a blank piece of paper [Pictures] After choosing to sign for QPR instead of moving to a ‘sunnier climate’, Rio Ferdinand may now be wishing he was sipping cocktails in California with LA Galaxy, as it looks like he’s got a real relegation dogfight on his hands. QPR have shipped 13 goals already – the second worst record in the league – with Rio at the heart of the defence, where he’s looked slow and cumbersome. ADVERTISEMENT He’s coming in for some stick from the QPR support, but boss Harry Redknapp isn’t having it, saying it’s unfair, and that they’ve been too open in midfield, offering no protection to Rio and the defence.
