Exclusive: QPR midfielder outlines plans to bounce back against Cardiff following opening day Watford defeat

QPR midfielder Sam Field has urged his side to show more fight and togetherness against Cardiff tomorrow after their Championship opening-day 4-0 defeat at Watford last weekend.

The west Londoners were behind after 33 seconds at Vicarage Road when Watford cut through the QPR defence and Tom Dele-Bashiru latched onto a through ball to slot past Asmir Begovic.

Imran Louza, Matheus Martins and Vakoun Bayo all added goals before the half-time break to ensure the Hoops found themselves at the bottom of the Championship table after their first outing of the 2023-24 campaign.

Gareth Ainsworth’s side take on Cardiff at the Cardiff City Stadium tomorrow, with the Bluebirds having signed the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Josh Bowler this summer.

“It was a very difficult weekend,” Field told the South London Press, reflecting on the defeat to the Hornets.

“Obviously lots of people are angry and frustrated, but that’s good as people are motivated to sort the issues out. We’re already looking forward to the next game. We have had lots of meetings to try and address the issues.

“It’s a long season. It’s not a good start, but if we can get going, it’s not the end of the world.

“We need to show a lot more fight and togetherness. We have to start the game a lot better – we didn’t give ourselves much of a chance with the way we started last week.

“Attitudes and desires would have been questioned, but we have to make sure that’s not a question a lot again this season.

“Once is more than enough, but we won’t let that happen again. We might lose again this season, but we will lose giving it a go and making sure we’re in the game.

“We’re looking forward to Cardiff.”

QPR narrowly escaped relegation to League One last season after finishing just six points above the drop zone.

Ainsworth replaced Neil Critchley at Loftus Road in December, but the ex-Wycombe boss won just three of his 13 games in charge last season as they confirmed their Championship status with two games to go.

“He came into a very, very difficult situation last year – he was our fourth manager,” said Field.

“The team was in a bad way and he galvanised us enough to get us over the line.

“In the end, we got ourselves into a real relegation dogfight and we had to get out of it. He got us over the line and did exactly what he needed to do.

“He’s been putting his stamp on us over pre-season. We have been taking it on board. I know it doesn’t come across with the result on Saturday, but hopefully, with more time and work, we can start to show what he wants for us as a team, club and culture.

“I’m really happy he’s here and I can tell he’s making a difference.”

The 25-year-old has spent the past two-and-a-half years at Loftus Road, making 97 appearances in all competitions – playing every game of the last campaign – and captaining the side towards the end of last season.

“I have really enjoyed it – I love playing,” Field said of his time so far with the Hoops.

“One of the main reasons why I wanted to come here was because I wanted to play.

“I want that to continue. We have had ups and downs, but that’s at any club – it is no different anywhere else. 

“I’m hoping it can continue for a while.

“They [the management team] want me to step into a leadership role. I do it in a different style, probably leading more by example. I’m a little bit quieter, but I’m trying to use my voice more and show people with my standards that is how I work best.

“It’s something that is a really good responsibility.

“I’m always learning – there are thousands of things I need to work on. It’s managing that while trying to help other people as well.”