Harry Redknapp has backed Rio Ferdinand in the wake of another poor defensive performance by QPR.
The 35-year-old centre-back was given problems by Peter Crouch in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Stoke at Loftus Road, where Rangers were once again unconvincing at the back.
But Redknapp insists he has no concerns about Ferdinand, who played under him as a youngster at West Ham and left Manchester United during the summer after 12 years at Old Trafford.
The Rangers boss said: “Rio’s fine – I’ve got no problems with Rio.
“When he takes his time, people want him to kick it. He ain’t never going to boot it up the pitch.
“He plays – he’s a footballer. You wouldn’t see Franz Beckenbauer or Bobby Moore booting it up the field, they would like to play.
“He’s looking for people to come and show for the ball so he can play it to them. That’s what I encouraged him to do when he was 14, so I’m not going to change now.”
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This post was last modified on 23/09/2014
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COME ON YOU SUPER HOOPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE AINT GETTING RELAGATED!!!!!!!
Onuoha
In my view one of the best players for QPR last season.
I have seen him play right back and he was excellent.
I would bring him into the team immediately.
Isla has been out of his depth and is a very average defender.
Sort it out quickly because if I can see it every game is going to be a nightmare.
Chaulker is work in progress and would benefit from Onuoha's pace and commitment
Make the change Harry/Glen I think it will work.
Onuoha needs games in case of injuries so serves two purposes.
Isla will be targeted and he is not going to respond.
But let's celebrate two good goals and a reasonable performance from our beloved QPR.
I think there are green shoots but self belief is critical.
Look at Leicester,West Ham,Crystal Palace all taking down the big boys.
I've got more belief in the squad to do well.
Let's get amongst them Rio is fine let him
get on with it. He's as good as anyone at the back.
Crouch climbed on him for one the goals the other was just a good goal
GVS
.
It's not his passing we are worried about Harry, it's his marking & tackling! Kind of important for a central defender!
...and what about Onuoha 'Arry?