Redknapp says his ‘gamble’ on Park paid off
QPR manager Harry Redknapp said a risky decision to play Ji-sung Park in the centre of midfield paid off against Sunderland.
Rangers’ 3-1 victory at Loftus Road boosted their survival hopes and set up a pivotal game at fellow strugglers Aston Villa next weekend.
They went behind before Loic Remy levelled with his third goal for the club, and second-half strikes by Andros Townsend and Jermaine Jenas sealed the points.
Redknapp declared: “It was a good performance. We started the game well and I thought we were the better side in the first half, but we suddenly found ourselves 1-0 down.
“They were the better team for 15 minutes or so in the second half but we got back in it and got two goals.
“I’m pleased Loic Remy is scoring goals – he’s a finisher – and it was a good all-round team performance.”
He added: “I took a gamble by playing Ji-sung Park as one of two in midfield – he usually plays wide or in a three. The two of them [Park and Stephane Mbia] were fantastic.
“We played with two out-and-out wingers and two strikers and I liked the look of us. We looked like an attacking force and that’s the best I’ve seen us going forward.”
Rangers remain four points adrift of 17th-placed Villa, who beat Reading.
But, coming after last weekend’s victory at Southampton, the win was another indication that Redknapp’s team may yet escape the drop.
He said: “We still need to have a fantastic run, but we’ve given ourselves a chance.
“We’re capable of having a decent run, so I think there are teams above us who may be sucked in.
“This win has done us the world of good and kept us in touch. We just have to keep being positive and have a go.”
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12/03/2013 @ 4:21 am
[…] 150th EPL appearance, representing 7 + years, mostly with Manchester United. Park for his part earned praise from Rednapp who apparently ‘gambled’ with repositioning Park in the center of the […]
10/03/2013 @ 6:33 pm
@ Mel Onbarmonst
“Park’s resume speaks for itself” – fair point, that’s exactly what we thought when he was signed. But his standard of play for QPR has been way below par under both Hughes and Redknapp. The perfirmance he put in in the FA Cup tie against MK Dons was woeful – though it may be unfair to single him out as most of the team was woeful in that particular match. Park’s last two games have seen him grabbing a fingerhold on the level at which he used to play for Man U. Bosingwa, another signing which promised more at the time than transpired through this season has also recovered some form. The issue was a different one. The common factor was Redknapp. What was that you said about a manager needing to get the best from his players? Seems to me that is exactly what ours has been doing. And it’s “calibre” – unless you come from the wrong side of The Pond.
10/03/2013 @ 9:31 am
harrys right park has been sh**** all season hes only put a shift in for the last two games so hes lucky to be in the team at all.
10/03/2013 @ 2:26 am
Park a gamble?? LOL. QPR has been shizz and Park is the least of their problems. Park single handedly gave QPR a chance to stay up the last match and played DM basically for yet another win. Park isn’t flashy. He’s all substance and he’ proven this in 3 different leagues, CL and WC level MULTIPLE times. His resume speaks for it and frankly he has NOTHING to prove. QPR fans needs to thank the stars they have a player of PJS’s caliber.
10/03/2013 @ 12:04 am
‘Gamble playing Park?’ You should be playing him every game! He is a work horse and has succeeded at Eindhoven PSV and at Man Utd. It is the managers job to produce the best out of his players. So stop whining Harry and bring out the best in your players instead of ridiculing your own players and alienating them.
09/03/2013 @ 9:38 pm
At the game today started very well and should have been comfortably in the lead in the first half.Second half saw Sunderland improve without creating clear cut chances.
Clint Hill and Flavio in my view outstanding throughout.
All played well including subs and Townsend was perhaps the best player on the pitch.
Result excellent and deserved.
09/03/2013 @ 6:42 pm
massive win, well played by the whole team, and a big thanks to the 3 January signings who scored the three goals, magic!!