Stephane Mbia believes QPR can still avoid relegation from the Premier League

Stephane Mbia believes Queens Park Rangers can still survive the drop despite enduring a disastrous season so far.

Difficult

Mbia arrived in England with a big reputation following his exploits with Marseille and Cameroon but the 26-year-old admits it has been a difficult challenge so far. "I'd spoken to Souleymane Diawara at Marseille and to Alex Song before he went to Barcelona, and they both said I'd do well here in this league", added Mbia. "But it has still surprised me. The football's so intense. It's like the Champions League, almost the same level, and there's never any let-up. "Back in France I used to go through some games without breaking into a sweat but here you can't catch your breath. "Whether I'm playing in midfield or at the back, I'm up against giants and you take so much physical damage. I come away exhausted, covered in cuts and bruises. "Against West Ham Andy Carroll had caught me with an elbow and, when I complained to the referee, he just said: 'Welcome to England.' I just thought 'Wow'. And I'm big, I'm strong but it's still taken its toll." Don't miss any live and exclusive football coverage this festive season. Click here to visit Sky Sports' Festive Calendar