QPR 1-1 Blackburn: Owen Coyle and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink reaction
Saturday 10 September 2016 22:45, UK
Blackburn manager Owen Coyle believes his team's display in their 1-1 draw at QPR showed they have turned a corner.
Rovers remain bottom of the Sky Bet Championship table and without a league win this season.
But Sam Gallagher's header earned them a deserved point after Tjaronn Chery's free-kick put Rangers ahead, and Coyle is convinced they are improving.
"There's no doubt about that," Coyle said. "Our first two games of the season were very poor but from there we have progressively got better with each game.
"Last week we were terrific against Fulham and we knew that with each game we were getting better.
"We've brought a number of players in and the more you work together, the more you see what type of team you're going to be.
"QPR are a good side but we're disappointed to be leaving with a point because I felt we deserved to win.
"The players showed real character and real spirit, which is required when things are going against you.
"Regardless of how the game went, if we continue to perform consistently like that we will win games and will move up the table.
"It's not about a knee-jerk reaction after four or five games. It's about 46 games and there's work to be done."
However, QPR boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink insisted his team deserved to win.
They seemed to be heading for victory after Chery's brilliant strike on 65 minutes, but Gallagher hauled Rovers level nine minutes later.
Hasselbaink said: "I thought the performance was really good. We deserved more, but you have got to put the ball in the net.
"We created chances with good play, had three one-on-ones and their keeper made some good saves.
"I'm very happy with the performance. The result, no, but happy with the players and the way they conducted themselves.
"Did we deserve more from this game? Yes, big time. But you have to go and earn it. If you think you can stroll through this division you are wrong.
"But we knocked on the door and on a better day would have won 2-1 or 3-1. That is why I am happy with the performance and happy with the players."
Hasselbaink was also pleased with the contribution of 19-year-old winger Olamide Shodipo, who has broken into the first team this season.
"He's got that tenaciousness, that little change of pace, and he also uses his body well and is good one-v-one," said the Dutchman.
"We are looking to improve his decision-making and his final ball. If we can get that better then we might have a good player there."
