Leeds United manager Daniel Farke conceded that his team had only themselves to blame following their disappointing 4-0 defeat at the hands of QPR, a result that dealt a severe blow to their hopes of automatic promotion.
The comprehensive victory for QPR, courtesy of goals from Ilias Chair, Lucas Andersen, Lyndon Dykes, and Sam Field, not only secured their survival in the Championship but also triggered celebrations in Leicester, as the Foxes sealed their immediate return to the Premier League.
Farke acknowledged the significance of the match’s opening 20 minutes, during which Leeds failed to execute the basics effectively, allowing QPR to take a commanding 2-0 lead.
Farke said: “First of all congratulations to QPR for a deserved win, and to Leicester for promotion.
“In this game the first 20 minutes was decisive, We didn’t do the basics. QPR used it in an effective way to be 2-0 up.
“Then we woke up, but a side fighting for relegation in their home stadium will always be difficult to play. Two set-pieces in the second half and the game was done.
“We were far away from our best and definitely not good enough to win the points.
“We have to be disappointed and self-critical. There have not been too many tough days this season but this is our toughest result.
“But one thing is for sure, there is no need to dwell on it and from Monday we will keep on going. it’s not in our hands any more but the race is not over.”
Despite a brief resurgence from Leeds thereafter, QPR’s resilience and determination, particularly as a side fighting relegation, proved too much to overcome.
Farke lamented his team’s performance, describing it as far from their best and acknowledging their inability to secure any points from the encounter.
Looking ahead, Farke emphasized the need for his team to remain focused and resilient, despite the setback. He acknowledged that while the race for promotion may no longer be entirely within Leeds’ control, there is no room for dwelling on past results, and the team must regroup and continue pushing forward.
On the flip side, it was a triumphant evening for QPR, who capped off a challenging season with a resounding victory. The Hoops, who found themselves second from bottom earlier in the campaign, managed to secure safety with a game to spare under the stewardship of manager Marti Cifuentes.
Goals from Chair, Andersen, Dykes, and Field ensured a comfortable victory and marked the culmination of a season characterized by resilience and unity within the club.
Cifuentes said: “It was a fantastic evening. We worked really hard to get this type of performance.
“All the way we have been showing resilience mentally. The whole club felt we were in a huge challenge but we were all together.
“I’m very happy for the players, the fans and the club. It was a difficult task but we managed to get the great escape.”
Reflecting on the season’s journey, Cifuentes expressed pride in his team’s mental strength and resilience, highlighting the collective effort that ultimately led to their successful escape from the relegation battle.
He credited the players, fans, and the club as a whole for their unwavering support and commitment throughout the challenging campaign, culminating in a memorable achievement for QPR.