QPR must stop feeling homesick, says boss Redknapp

QPR must stop feeling homesick, says boss Redknapp

LONDON - Queens Park Rangers must adapt to life on the road in the Premier League, but high-flying Southampton are likely to be another uninviting host on Saturday, says QPR manager Harry Redknapp.

Eighteenth-placed Rangers have struggled on their travels so far this season, and were beaten 4-0 by Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in their first two away games.

Former Southampton boss Redknapp, who expects a hostile reception at St Mary's after steering the club to relegation in 2005, knows QPR must improve their away form if they are to climb the table.

"We've had two tough away games. We haven't had enough of the ball - that needs to change this weekend," Redknapp told a news conference on Thursday. "We've played well at home to be honest. We've got to take that away from home now this weekend, but it will be tough.

"I always get a little bit of grief at Southampton - let's hope we can go there and get a win." QPR come up against a new-look Southampton side that have flourished during the early stages of the season, and sit second in the table after claiming 10 points from their first five matches.

Despite losing a raft of influential players over the close season, new Saints boss Ronald Koeman has calmed the tides on the south coast and Redknapp praised the Dutchman for the way he has adjusted to life in the Premier League.

"I've been surprised by just how well Southampton have done, but they deserve every credit," Redknapp said. "(Ronald) Koeman has made an amazing start. They've got a conveyor belt of talent down there and they've bought well this summer, replacing a lot of very good players.

"Ronald will know it's a long season though. He knows they haven't achieved anything yet. But they just look a very, very good team at the moment. They play with great confidence.

QPR will be without midfielders Joey Barton and Jordon Mutch for the trip to St Mary's, while Sandro, Niko Kranjcar and Adel Taarabt are also carrying injuries. "We've got a couple of knocks," Redknapp said.

"We'll have a look at them in training today and tomorrow. Joey and Jordon are both definitely out. Sandro looks like he might be okay though.

"Niko got a knock on Saturday and Adel is still struggling."

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