Hardworking QPR ‘suffered’, says Hasselbaink

New QPR manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink praised his team after the 0-0 draw at home to Burnley and admitted they “suffered” during his first match in charge.

Rangers’ players responded to the Dutchman’s instructions to play a high-tempo pressing game, but it took its toll in the second half and the visitors finished strongly.

Hasselbaink said: “I learned that we have a team that is willing to work for each other. There are a lot of positives and it’s nice to see that the guys want to work and want to play football.

“Players are going to make mistakes, but it’s about expressing yourself and reacting when you do make mistakes. The players showed they want to do things right.

“I am happy with how the game went. In the first half we played ever so well and were the better team.

“In the second half we suffered a bit, but sometimes that’s a good thing. Sometimes you have to go to those extremes,

“Let’s not forget that we were playing against Burnley – a very good team that is very well organised and very hard to break down.”

Rangers again started without a recognised striker before top scorer Charlie Austin, who has been nursing a calf problem, was introduced on the hour mark.

Hasselbaink added: “We know Charlie is a very good player but it is a squad game and about the team, not any individual.

“Of course we want to have an out and out striker, but it’s about the collective. And we kept a clean sheet, which is very important.

“Today the majority of fans will go home with a smile on their face, which is what we want, because they have seen their team fighting and trying to play football that entertains.

“But, two feet on the ground, because we need to keep working and keep on improving.”