Sheffield Wednesday’s fight praised despite defeat to QPR
Henrik Pedersen commends ‘big blue heart’ team after 3-0 loss
Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen has praised his players for their effort and determination despite a 3-0 defeat to QPR at Loftus Road.
The Owls remain at the bottom of the Championship table but showed signs of resilience with a strong second-half spell, creating chances that could have changed the course of the match before QPR’s Rayan Kolli struck twice late on.
Speaking after the game, Pedersen said: “At 1-0 we could have scored for 1-1 and I think we were on top in the game when they scored for 2-0.
“After 2-0 of course we know it’s difficult. We competed for 80 minutes on a very equal level. Today we showed that we can compete. The culture is great."
Pedersen also highlighted the leadership of Wednesday’s senior players and the continued effort of the younger members of the squad:
“I have the biggest respect for how we have three senior players in the starting XI, how they are leaders for the younger guys, and how those young guys just keep on going, keep the faith and keep their chests high.
“Our players played with a big blue heart and tried to do everything we could for our club.
“We have a group of players who love this club and who will do everything for this club.”
The match saw QPR score early through top scorer Rumarn Burrell, who later limped off with a hamstring injury.
Kolli came on as his replacement, netting a late double to secure the victory for the home side.
QPR boss Julien Stephan praised the young forward’s performance: “He did well. I hope Rayan will be able to repeat this, because we know his qualities. We need to keep him on the pitch and healthy.”
Wednesday, despite the loss, will take heart from their ability to compete strongly for much of the game and continue to look ahead in their fight to turn their season around.