“There is no-one who doesn’t make a mistake” – QPR boss defends Seny Dieng after error in Norwich defeat
BY NICK KITUNO
Seny Dieng has received his manager’s full backing following an uncharacteristic error in Queens Park Rangers’ 3-1 defeat at home to Norwich City.
The Senegal shotstopper, who has emerged as one of Rangers’ key players this season, spilled Xavi Quintillá’s effort over the line as the Canaries took a first-half lead.
After Tim Krul denied Lyndon Dykes from the penalty spot, Max Aarons put the visitors two up. Dykes halved the deficit with 20 minutes to go.
But Premier League-bound Norwich made sure of the win when a calamitous defensive error allowed Kenny McLean to tee up Emi Buendia for a simple tap-in late on.
QPR boss Mark Warburton has been impressed with Dieng this season and believes he deserves “nothing but praise” for his performances this season.
He said: “He’s human. There’s no-one in the world [who doesn’t make mistakes]. [Lionel] Messi makes mistakes, [Cristiano] Ronaldo makes mistakes, the very, very best people in the world make mistakes.
“Seny’s had an outstanding season, he’s just human. It’s as simple as that.”
Dieng returned to the starting 11 after missing the R’s 1-0 away win at Swansea through suspension.
He wore a protective facemask against Norwich as he had been playing with a broken nose prior to being sent off in the 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough.
Asked whether the facemask could have played a role in the mistake, Warburton said: “He made one mistake. He’s probably made one mistake in the last 25, 30 games. He’s just human, that’s all.
“The mask was totally unrestrictive, he had no problems seeing the ball at all. He’s a human being who has had an outstanding season and deserves nothing but praise and credit for his performances.”
On whether Dieng will wear it for the remaining two games, away at Stoke City next week and at home to Luton Town on the final day, he added: “Possibly, it’s just purely there to protect the nose. He’s had the nose reset and it’s healing nicely but it’s just a bit of extra comfort and extra protection.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD