Portsmouth manager John Mousinho believes a change of tactics inspired his side to finally secure their first win of the season.
Pompey came from behind to beat QPR 2-1 to clinch a first victory since last season’s promotion from League One and leave the west London side bottom of the Championship.
And Mousinho felt his decision to adopt a more direct approach paid off.
He said: “The most important thing was to win the game, which we did. It wasn’t in terrific style but that was deliberate from us – we wanted to make it a difficult game.
“It wasn’t pretty at times, but we’ve gone away this season and invited far too much pressure by trying to play and probably trying to be a bit too intricate.
“One of the things we wanted to avoid today was inviting pressure on our goal. We wanted to get the ball into their half and play from there.
“So we were much more direct than we probably have been for the last 18 months, but we’re trying to be a bit more effective and get the ball forward.
“From that point of view I’m delighted with the performance. In the second half when we were 2-1 up and the pressure was on, I didn’t think we were troubled.”
Mousinho hopes the long-awaited win will prove to be a turning point in Pompey’s season.
“Hopefully it kick-starts it,” he said. “The performances have been really positive but today we got through it and that should give us the confidence to go into any game and compete.”
QPR boss Marti Cifuentes insisted he remains “very calm” despite his team sinking to the bottom of the table, and he defended Morgan Fox, whose errors led to Portsmouth’s goals.
“I spoke with the players and we have two ways to face this tough situation,” said Cifuentes,
“Either we accept where we are, work harder and accept criticism – because that’s the nature of football – and accept that we need to get better, or we just start to point fingers and then it gets more difficult.
“I’m very calm about how the guys are working and the commitment. I’m aware though that we need to improve.
“I have full confidence in those guys and I do believe that we can turn the situation. It is very early to just say we will not be good enough.
“I stay calm. I’ve coached in five different countries, I’ve been doing this job for almost 20 years and I’ve been in tougher situations.
“We need to improve very quickly but I believe it will get better.”
It was a terrible day for defender Fox, who gave the ball away in the build-up to Freddie Potts equalising after Karamoko Dembele’s opener.
And Fox gave away a second-half penalty by hacking down Callum Lang, who tucked away the resulting spot-kick.
But Cifuentes said: “I trust Fox. I trust him a lot. He was very important for us last season, a brilliant professional.
“Today he will not be happy and I am not a guy who will come in here pointing. I can make better decisions. I take responsibility.
“He is a fantastic professional and I am sure that he will show it in the next games.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. EPL Week 12 Ipswich 1-1 Man Utd Southampton 2-3 Liverpool LOL OUCH Cristiano Ronaldo now has 500 more Goals than Henry When a taxi driver asked Messi to take photo of him with Mascherano... Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Just toon it, trollfootball, The Football Arena, AZR Organization)...
Leicester City open talks with Van Nistelrooy over head coach job🚨🗣️ #Leicester have approached Ruud #vanNistelrooy to explore the negotiation margins to replace Steve Cooper on their bench.📃 David #Moyes and other names are under evaluation, but #LCFC would like to convince the 🇳🇱 manager as a priority. 🐓⚽ #Transfers pic.twitter.com/xsz3TT9q7P— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) November 24, 2024H...
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe was happy scoring in their win at Leganes.Real won 3-0 on Sunday, with Mbappe opening the scoring on the night.He later told RMTV: "I started well, with rhythm with my teammates, in a different position. As I said the first day I arrived here, I can play in many different positions and I will play to give my best, it is the story of my career, I play on the right,...
Leicester City have confirmed they have sacked manager Steve Cooper. The 44-year-old took charge for the final time on. Saturday, with the Foxes beaten at home by Chelsea in the Premier League.He leaves with Leicester 16th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone after being promoted under Enzo Maresca last season.Steve Cooper after Leicester's 2-1 loss to Chelsea.In a released stat...
Ruben Amorim said Manchester United will have to "suffer for a long period" before his methods help the club enjoy success again after a 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town denied the new head coach a debut win in his first game in charge.Marcus Rashford's opening goal after 81 seconds had given United a dream start at Portman Road, but Omari Hutchinson's equaliser sealed a point for Kieran McKenna's team an...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal 3-0 Nottm Forest Leicester 1-2 Chelsea Pray for City! Club football is back Harry Kane recreated the Bundesliga logo When you order Jack Grealish on Wish This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC)...
The France striker has been linked with Manchester United in recent days.And as he battles to work his way into Chelsea's starting XI this season, Nkunku is said to be considering his options.United and PSG have both been linked with the striker.But the Athletic says Chelsea have ruled out parting with Nkunku in January....
Diomande has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City this season.Andersen coached the defender with Midtjylland U19s and told O Jogo: “I can understand that there is a lot of enthusiasm around Diomande and that big clubs are after him, because he has been very well. "They're crazy values, you've reached a point where you start to wonder if they belong there. I talk to...
Trivela says Real are considering a move for the Brazilian veteran in January.Real management recognise the retirement of Toni Kroos has left a massive void, which has led to discussions about bringing Casemiro back to the club.It's believed Casemiro would have a big impact on the pitch and in the dressing room at Real, which are struggling for consistency this season.The 32 year-old left Real for...
Arsenal and Liverpool to lock horns in January for ZubimendiReal Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a prime target for Liverpool, but Arsenal are reportedly keen on rivalling the Merseyside club for his signature. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are preparing a second bid for the standout player, with a January transfer seen as a strong possibility. They are determined to land Zu...
- 1 I am not a lunatic – Craig Bellamy glad to show different side in Wales dugout
- 2 Roy Keane’s daughter pictured with Taylor Harwood-Bellis for first time
- 3 Johnnie Jackson bemoans refereeing decisions after dramatic Dons draw
- 4 Liam Cullen leads Wales to Nations League promotion
- 5 Ex-Prem ace asked Liverpool star for his sister's phone number
- 6 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 7 Mascherano nears Miami; Martino exits
- 8 Mia Khalifa slams rumours of 'affair with ex-Prem star Julian Alvarez'
- 9 Daily Laugh - Antony and his latest ManUtd session
- 10 Chloe Kelly sends fans wild in daring outfit at GQ Men of the Year