Phil Parkinson Confident Wrexham Are Stronger Ahead of QPR Trip

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson believes his side are in a far stronger position than when they were comfortably beaten by Queens Park Rangers earlier this season, as the two teams prepare to meet again at Loftus Road.

The sides last faced each other at the Racecourse Ground on 13 September, when QPR ran out 3-1 winners in the Championship. Wrexham trailed 2-0 before top scorer Kieffer Moore briefly reduced the deficit in the second half, but Rangers ultimately proved too strong.

Tomorrow’s reverse fixture comes with Wrexham showing notable progress. The Reds currently sit ninth in the table, just two points outside the play-off places, following a 1-1 home draw with Leicester City on Tuesday night. QPR, meanwhile, are 12th.

Parkinson insists his team have developed significantly since that defeat and feels they are better equipped to compete this time around.

“We’re a stronger team since that day for many reasons,” Parkinson said.
“We’ve got players up to speed, and we’re still doing that with Issa Kabore and Libby Cacace.”

The Wrexham boss also explained that Kabore’s return is being carefully managed in conjunction with his parent club.

“With Issa, we’re following the protocol with Manchester City regarding his return to fitness,” he added.
“We’ll go down there, dust ourselves down after the draw with Leicester, and be ready.”

Against Leicester, Lewis O’Brien put Wrexham ahead with his fourth goal of the season — his first since late September — before the Foxes struck a late equaliser. Parkinson was full of praise for O’Brien’s overall contribution, not just his goal.

“His return has been really important,” Parkinson said.
“He’s got four goals, he’s got assists, and I thought Lewis was excellent.”

The manager highlighted O’Brien’s relentless pressing and energy as key strengths.

“The amount of times he pressed, won the ball back, and then drove forward was outstanding,” he said.
“When Lewis goes, he goes at such pace.”

Parkinson acknowledged that while O’Brien went through a spell without scoring, his impact never diminished.

“He had chances that didn’t quite go in for him, but many of those opportunities came from his own pressing,” he explained.
“A lot of players wouldn’t even get into those positions.”

The Wrexham manager concluded by underlining just how highly he rates the midfielder.

“He’s a great little player and his energy levels are completely off the scale,” Parkinson said.
“His running statistics are Premier League level — never mind Championship.”