Wagner ‘proud of players’ after stalemate at Loftus Road
- David Wagner reviews draw at QPR
- Head Coach delighted with reaction to going behind
- David feels point was the least HTAFC deserved
Huddersfield Town Head Coach David Wagner was satisfied with the performance of his team in today’s 1-1 Sky Bet Championship draw at QPR.
“After the game, I can say that a point was the minimum we had to get for our performance,” David told htafc.com.
“In my opinion the first half was very good from our side; we had good concentration, confidence and our passing was good. We kept the opponent away from our goal and tried to play on the pitch, trying to create chances.
“We tried to defend a little bit deeper today, as we liked to give ourselves space for the transition. I thought our idea was very good, as the opponent didn’t have once chance. That is very good from our side.
“I’m very happy and satisfied with our performance. To play like we did today in this atmosphere at QPR isn’t normal, so big compliments to the squad.
“I’m happy that after a win, we have got another result. In the past we have not done this, so it was very important we showed everyone we could points after win – even if it’s only one like today.”
Despite being the side on top, the Terriers actually fell behind to an 80th minute goal – and Wagner was delighted with the response from his players:
“In the second half they brought more pressure by bringing Sebastian Polter on, who scored their goal. It came from a long throw-in and we had to defend that situation a little better.
“You have to accept that and try to make the best of it. After a mistake or something bad, the most important thing is the reaction. Since I’ve worked with these players, the character has been very good and I’m very proud of them for that.
“The reaction from the team to that goal was great, once again; it was the reaction I expected from them. We knew we had another 10 minutes and they have had problems in the past with late goals, so I was sure in this moment we would get chances. We got three and used one, which is good.
“We created a chance immediately after the goal from the kick off before the nice goal from Nahki. In the last seconds, ‘Scanz’ had a very good opportunity to give us a great Christmas present instead of a good one.”
Wagner also praised the role of returning goalkeeper Joe Murphy, who came into the side for his first start in seven games and executed a key 58th minute save from Matt Phillips:
“This was one key situation that went in our direction; a very important save in the moment. This is his job and why he is in the goal - to save shots - but that was not easy and I’m very happy Joe is back.”
After an impressive performance in its last outing against Preston 48 hours earlier, Wagner once again rotated his starting XI – making six changes.
He continued: “That’s very important to us; the squad knows and accepts this. It is important to have fresh players on the pitch and on the bench. It is very easy for me, because game after game everybody knows they will be used and that they are important for us. At the moment everyone is fit, knows what they have to do and it is working.
“The players know being on the bench is not something bad, or because of a bad performance. They are there to give us something positive, as they did today again. They all have to give us 100% on the pitch in each game.
“We changed our left side with Ben Chilwell and Joe Lolley and we became very dangerous there, creating good chances.
“Sometimes you can beat your opponent with fitness and a good plan.”
One player to miss out was Kyle Dempsey; a decision Wagner was happy to explain after the final whistle:
“He wasn’t injured. He wasn’t with us today because I wasn’t sure how Emyr and Hoggy would react to playing another 90 minutes after their recent injuries, so for that reason I wanted Phil Billing with us. I had to make a hard decision to bring him with us and not Kyle Dempsey.”
Now the preparations begin for Saturday’s away game at Bolton Wanderers; something that is attracting David’s attention away from any New Year’s Eve plans!
“I have no idea! I don’t have time at the moment to think about where I will celebrate. We will train on 1 January before travelling to Bolton and preparing in the hotel.
“I had a Happy Christmas with four points from two games, but it will only be a Happy New Year for me if we get some points in Bolton.”
