QPR’s Kenneth Paal at a loss to explain what went wrong for Neil Critchley during short-lived Loftus Road reign

The 44-year-old’s only win during his short stint as Rangers boss came in the 1-0 victory away to Preston.

When asked what went wrong for Critchley, Paal told the South London Press: “I don’t know, but we can’t blame it on the manager – it’s everybody in the selection.

“Not just the starting 11, but the whole selection – number one to number 27. I’m not sure what’s wrong, but we’re trying to figure it out.”

Former Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth, who made 141 appearances as a player for QPR between 2003 to 2010, has been appointed as Critchley’s replacement, leaving Adams Park after 10 years with the Chairboys.

“We need the confidence that we had at the beginning of the season – we have the same players in the dressing room,” said Paal of what the QPR squad is looking for from their new manager.

“The players, by ourselves, should be able to bring it back on the pitch.”

Netherlands-born Paal joined the west Londoners in the summer under now Rangers boss Beale and has made 32 appearances in all competitions since arriving.

“It’s been a little bit of everything,” said Paal of his first season in England.

“We started very well under Beale. He left the club, but I’m happy for him. He deserved it – we played nice football and were at the top of the league.

“I was a little bit disappointed, but this is also how this business works.

“We got a new manager, but not everything worked very well. I don’t know what went wrong, but I’m still enjoying playing in the Championship – I’m sure we’re still going to make the season nice.”

Paal came through the ranks at PSV Eindhoven, playing in the first team under Phillip Cocu before moving on to PEC Zwolle.

The 25-year-old decided to make the switch to England after recording more than 100 appearances in the Eredivisie.

“It’s been a tough season,” said Paal. “We’re in an unlucky period, but I’m still enjoying English football. I was very, very happy when I found out I was moving to England.

“I always wanted to play here, and QPR have given me that chance. I said to my agent: ‘I want to grab this chance – I want to take it’.

“We play a lot of games in this Championship – the intensity is much higher than Holland.”

Arnhem-born Paal featured at youth level for the Dutch, playing alongside Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong and Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek.

Paal, who has featured in a number of positions during his career, switched his international allegiances to Suriname last year, playing in a 2-1 friendly win over Nicaragua.

“In the youth games, you can play a little bit different compared to when you are a professional,” said Paal of his time rising through the ranks of Dutch national team football.

“I’m not saying you enjoy it more, but there is less pressure. I played with some very good players who now play at the highest level. Let’s see if I can reach that level.

“I’m ambitious and still want to make steps in my career and improve.”

Despite recording just one win in their last 16 games and dropping down to 17th in the table, QPR are just 10 points off the top six in the Championship with 13 games remaining. Next up are Blackburn at home tomorrow.

“With our team and dressing room, we’re a team that has to play for the play-offs,” said Paal.

“That’s our aim. Let’s keep everything together in the next couple of weeks. We have to look week after week and not look ahead to the next months.

“We have the most talented group in the league, and I say that with full confidence.”

Paal is just over half a season into the three-year deal he signed at Loftus Road.

“I feel I can still improve,” he said. “The club knows that I have ambitions. My focus now is just on the team – we have to win games again.”

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