Mbia backing QPR to stay up

Stephane Mbia believes Queens Park Rangers can still survive the drop despite enduring a disastrous season so far.

Last Updated: 30/12/12 at 12:46 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Premier League To Stay Up 12/13. Click here to bet.

Stephane Mbia: Still believes QPR can survive

Stephane Mbia: Still believes QPR can survive

QPR are currently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League but the summer arrival from France remains optimistic.

"Sure, the short term looks difficult because we haven't won enough games but this is a challenge," Mbia told the Guardian.

"We have senior players in the squad who can inspire the others and, even if this is all new to me, I have experience.

"I have come from a club expecting to challenge for the title to one struggling at the bottom but we can survive. Yes, yes, yes, we can survive.

"We're learning every week. We have a manager who will get the best out of us so, if we stay united and keep working, it'll come."

Difficult

Mbia arrived in England with a big reputation following his exploits with Marseille and Cameroon but the 26-year-old admits it has been a difficult challenge so far.

"I'd spoken to Souleymane Diawara at Marseille and to Alex Song before he went to Barcelona, and they both said I'd do well here in this league", added Mbia.

"But it has still surprised me. The football's so intense. It's like the Champions League, almost the same level, and there's never any let-up.

"Back in France I used to go through some games without breaking into a sweat but here you can't catch your breath.

"Whether I'm playing in midfield or at the back, I'm up against giants and you take so much physical damage. I come away exhausted, covered in cuts and bruises.

"Against West Ham Andy Carroll had caught me with an elbow and, when I complained to the referee, he just said: 'Welcome to England.' I just thought 'Wow'. And I'm big, I'm strong but it's still taken its toll."

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