QPR manager Harry Redknapp demand 'all hands on deck' for west London derby against Fulham

Cottagers visit Loftus Road tomorrow

Simon Peach
Friday 14 December 2012 14:34 GMT
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Harry Redknapp shows his frustration at QPR’s failure to win
Harry Redknapp shows his frustration at QPR’s failure to win (PA)

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QPR manager Harry Redknapp wants his players to start fulfilling their potential as they look to end their winless streak against near neighbours Fulham tomorrow.

Much had been expected from the Rs this season, with a number of high-profile names brought in to much fanfare during the summer.

Those acquisitions have not had the desired effect, though, and last weekend's draw at Wigan saw their winless start to the season stretch to 16 matches, breaking the Premier League record in the process.

However, having picked up three draws since succeeding Mark Hughes at the helm, Redknapp is hopeful of that first elusive win against Fulham tomorrow.

"We've got what we've got," he said. "This is the team I have been given.

"That is what I have got to work with and I am just concerned about getting the best out of them.

"I can't look and see where Mark was with them. It is what I can try and do with the same group.

"If I can get the best out of them, that's all I can do. If, at the end of the day, it isn't good enough, I can't do anymore.

"But, at the moment, I am getting the best out of what they can give me and I feel we are close to getting that first win. Hopefully it will come tomorrow.

"It won't be easy as Fulham have done well. They are a tough team to beat, they've got some quality.

"It will be a difficult game but we're at home, it's a London derby. We've got to give everything we've got.

"We've got to give blood, sweat and tears tomorrow to try and get that win."

Redknapp will be unable to call upon Park Ji-sung against the Cottagers having sustained a knee injury that will keep him out for a few weeks, but goalkeeper Julio Cesar is back in contention after a groin complaint.

The QPR manager admits he has already made his mind up on whether to recall the Brazilian or stick with Robert Green - a decision he refused to divulge, but one he knows will not go down well with all.

"It is a tough choice," Redknapp said. "They are two good goalkeepers so we're lucky to have such good keepers here.

"Whoever doesn't play is going to be disappointed. That's football.

"What can you do you? You can't please everybody. You've got to make a choice.

"Whoever doesn't get chosen will be upset and unhappy with me, but that is how football is."

Should Green miss out, the England international may well be looking for a move to pastures new in January.

Reports suggest several players could leave Loftus Road when the transfer window reopens, leading Redknapp to hit out at any of those looking to jump ship.

"I'm not looking to get rid of anyone at the moment," Redknapp said. "We need all hands on deck. We can't afford to be thinking about that.

"They've just got to get on and do well for QPR. That's the key.

"If they all play to their potential, then we won't have a problem. But they've got to play to what they are capable of doing, they can't be thinking about their next move or any other move.

"This is where they are, this is the club they belong to."

That desire to keep the squad intact has seen Redknapp ask Morocco's Adel Taarabt to miss the upcoming African Nations Cup to stay and help fight with QPR.

"I don't know whether they have to go or whether they don't," said Redknapp, who also faces losing Mali's Samba Diakite. "I am not sure what the rules are.

"Of course I'd rather Adel didn't go but I don't know where you stand on that. I'll have to find out.

"I told him we need him here if possible. We need all the players here and he is a good player so we would really like to keep him here."

PA

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