QPR must show greater mental strength, says Ryan Nelsen

Supporters voiced their anger at Hughes and his team (Getty Images)

Queens Park Rangers' players need to take responsibility for their poor form and league position, according to Ryan Nelsen.

QPR have taken just four points from 12 games and sit bottom of the Premier League with Mark Hughes clinging on to his job as manager at Loftus Road.

Supporters voiced their anger at Hughes and his team during last Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat by Southampton and Nelsen believes the players must show more character when they face Manchester United at Old Trafford this weekend. “When the pressure is on, the players have to take responsibility,” said the defender.

“It doesn’t matter who you’re playing, the Premier League is just unforgiving. You’ve got to earn your right to play and win. You’ve got to be strong mentally and have the confidence to do something in the game at both ends of the park.

“We were poor [against Southampton]. We were all disappointed. You get punished no matter who you’re playing.

“The players have to take complete responsibility for last weekend. When it mattered most, we just didn’t stand up. You’ve got to defend and attack the ball and we just didn’t get on the end of anything.”

QPR brought in 12 new players during the summer but Nelsen told the club’s official website: “I’m not a big fan of talking about talent among a squad, it doesn’t mean anything. In this league, it’s all about mental strength.

“When the pressure is on, you can be the most talented players in the world but when the microscope goes on you, talent goes out the window.

“We need more mental strength and hopefully we can then showcase the talent to go on to
win games.”