‘Happy for him’ – Lloyd’s performance earns praise as QPR lose at Millwall
QPR assistant head coach Xavi Calm was pleased with the performance of Alfie Lloyd in Rangers’ 2-1 defeat to Millwall.
The 21-year-old scored just his second goal for the club to level the game at the Den after Aaron Connolly had given the home side a first minute lead.
Luke Cundle headed in a debut goal before half-time to earn Millwall victory, but Calm saw enough from Lloyd to suggest he merited a starting berth ahead of Michael Frey and Rayan Kolli.
“We have different types of strikers,” he explained.
“Today, we considered that Alfie attacking in behind the back four was the best option to hurt them, to stretch them.
“Happy for him after the game, not just for the goal but the game in general.”
Rangers matched Millwall for much of the 90 minutes but were unable to find a second-half equaliser despite dominating possession.
They have now lost back-to-back games in the Championship for the first time since the start of November, dropping them down to 14th in the league table.
“We have the feeling that we deserve more, at least one point,” said Calm.
“In the second half we pushed all in, 100 per cent..set pieces, crosses, everything and we have this feeling but it is what it is.
“I didn’t expect to concede in minute one. We normally defend this type of action better and today we’ve not done it.
“We have reacted in a top way I would say, scoring an amazing goal. It’s not easy after conceding a goal in minute one.
“The second goal again was maybe a sloppy goal but all the credit to the lads.”
PICTURES: ROB AVIS