QPR assistant boss John Eustace has said the absence of Mark Warburton has not disrupted the squad during the international break ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated derby against Fulham.
Warburton has been isolating after testing positive for covid-19 and while he will be back in the dugout tomorrow, he has not been able to take training in recent days.
In his absence it has been Eustace leading training during the international break, and he says training has gone well despite the manager’s absence.
He said: “We have all worked incredibly hard to ensure that the week has run smoothly.
“We have been getting consistent messages from the gaffer all week to help us prepare for Saturday and like all of us, he can’t wait for the game.
“The break has given the lads some much needed rest, ensuring they are able to recover from a few knocks and bruises, but we have had a really good week’s work on the training field and hopefully that will only be to our advantage.”
Many thanks for the kind messages. Feeling much better now. Thankfully double jabbed, which prevented any more serious symptoms and will be back for the Fulham game. In the meantime, John Eustace and the staff will do a great job preparing the players. Thank you again
— Mark Warburton (@MarkWarburton9) October 11, 2021
The Rs were in flying form before the international break, with consecutive wins over Birmingham and Preston North End at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium leaving them sixth in the table.
Tomorrow they travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham in the day’s early kick-off, a side just two points and one place above them in the Championship.
While excited at the prospect of a derby and a playoff rival clash, Eustace said the team will be approaching the contest just like any other.
He said: “It’s a local derby which is fantastic. The most important thing is we impose our style of football on them and see where that gets us. It’s an exciting game for everyone and we are really looking forward to it.
“They have a fantastic squad for this level. We know they are a top team, but the most important thing is that we go and impose ourselves and show everyone what we are about.
“We will approach it like we do every game. Our job is to be on the front foot, express ourselves, play exciting football and we will go into the game tomorrow with the same attitude.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game, but it’s our job to make sure it is for them too.”
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