Couldn't agree more with Marti on Cook

[LordLoftus]

And to quote some guy on Reddit, thank you Ainsworth!

https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/premier-league-level-cifuentes-hails-qpr-star-and-reveals-injury-scare

"QPR ‘very lucky’ to have Cook"

Marti Cifuentes has paid tribute to QPR captain Steve Cook for his outstanding performances this season.
The centre-back, 33, was excellent for Rangers even when they were struggling at the bottom of the Championship.

And he has played a starring role in the recent run in which they are unbeaten in six matches – conceding only two goals in the process – and have climbed above the relegation zone.

“We’re very lucky to have him. He’s a fantastic player,” head coach Cifuentes said.

“The way he defends the box is Premier League level in my opinion. So he’s definitely a big asset for us because of his leadership and calmness.

“He’s also helping a player in Liam Morrison, who had no experience in the Championship, to grow a lot.

“You can see they are working really well together and that says a lot about his (Cook’s) leadership.

Cook was impressive again in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Bristol City – a match Rangers at one stage feared he might miss after he suffered a minor injury on the eve of the game.

Cifuentes explained: “We are lucky. He had a small problem so couldn’t finish training. But he had no doubt that he would play.”

[SheepRanger]

Always good to hear about manager bigging up his players.

[72bus]

Great player

[LoftusRoadLad]

He is right....we are lucky to have him.

[Abseits]

Always good to hear about manager bigging up his players.

Yes but it would be equally good to hear a manager ripping a player to shreds though wouldn't it!? Obviously will never happen but the thought of a really cheesed off manager going rogue and off-script really appeals to me.

I never doubted Cook's ability but I felt his body mightn't stand up to the punishing EFL schedule and I'm exceedingly pleased to be wrong and is great he's still going strong (touch wood!).

[SheepRanger]

Yes but it would be equally good to hear a manager ripping a player to shreds though wouldn't it!? Obviously will never happen but the thought of a really cheesed off manager going rogue and off-script really appeals to me.

Yeah, I know what you mean, certainly the Spurs manager doesnt hold back.

When I played local football there was a player in the team that moaned all game and it cheesed me off no end. When I stepped up to regional level all the players openly encouraged each other and I became a better full back for it. The carrot rather than the stick worked for me personally.

I know an ex-pro at L1/2 level who was outted by his manager in a post match interview. He was captain and on the highest wages and the manager said his contribution didn't reflect the money he was getting. He was extremely upset by those comments and so were his teammates. They felt it should have been dealt with in-house. The manager didn't last too much longer, but there again neither did the player who drifted into non-league when his contract expired. He said he was glad to be out of pro football because it was too toxic and not very enjoyable.

[DJ Hooper W12]

I suppose different situations demand a different approach but Cook has earned Marti’s praise and rightly so. Others have to accept a bit of criticism if it’s due. But no negativity at the moment looking forward to Saturday. A good game whatever the result. Confidence growing every game now

[daveshads]

Don't quibble over a new contract for Captain Cook. He needs to stay for at least one more season after this. His calmness and mature influence on some of our younger players will be priceless. We really don't want Steve worrying about where he stands.

[72bus]

Yeah, I know what you mean, certainly the Spurs manager doesnt hold back.

When I played local football there was a player in the team that moaned all game and it cheesed me off no end. When I stepped up to regional level all the players openly encouraged each other and I became a better full back for it. The carrot rather than the stick worked for me personally.

I know an ex-pro at L1/2 level who was outted by his manager in a post match interview. He was captain and on the highest wages and the manager said his contribution didn't reflect the money he was getting. He was extremely upset by those comments and so were his teammates. They felt it should have been dealt with in-house. The manager didn't last too much longer, but there again neither did the player who drifted into non-league when his contract expired. He said he was glad to be out of pro football because it was too toxic and not very enjoyable.

They say u get more with honey than vinegar, I'd always encourage on the pitch .
Played with a few that moaned every tackle was a foul . Even told team mate to stfu .