Stephan speaks to Mbengue about QPR defender’s disciplinary woes

Julien Stephan says he has spoken to Amadou Mbengue again about the QPR defender’s poor disciplinary record.

The head coach spoke to Mbengue about the issue earlier in the season, after he picked up five yellow cards in seven matches and had to serve a ban.

Mbengue got his 10th yellow card of the campaign during Saturday’s loss to Wrexham, so would have faced another ban even without then being sent off after getting his second booking of the game and 11th of the season.

That led to another talking-to from Stephan earlier this week.

“My job is always is help the players to progress, to improve and to learn from different experiences,” Stephan said.

“When I have something to say to the players I say something in my office face-to-face and not through the media.

“I will not explain exactly which kind of conversation I had with Amadou, but I had a long explanation with him at the beginning of the week.

“It was not the first time – it’s always the same with different players, trying to give them good information in order to progress.”

Rangers were 2-1 up when Mbengue’s dismissal reduced them to 10 men late on.

They then conceded two stoppage-time goals and suffered a dramatic defeat.

“It was a tough experience for us and him,” Stephan admitted.

“But now it’s over, now it’s finished, so it’s a question of reaction and how we will deal without him the next game and how we will do for the future to not have to repeat this kind of situation.”

Ronnie Edwards is expected to feature for QPR against Championship leaders Coventry on Saturday, but new signing Justin Obikwu is a doubt for the match against the striker’s former club.

Koki Saito looks set to be passed fit to return, but Rangers are still without Ilias Chair.