Johansen to remain QPR captain
Stefan Johansen will remain as QPR captain under Michael Beale.
The new head coach also plans to have a leadership group of four or five players, including Johansen, who captained the side last season following his move from Fulham.
And former Norway captain Johansen will wear the armband again this season – if he plays.
“I spoke to Stef, who was obviously captain last year, and there was no reason, I feel, to change that at this moment in time,” Beale explained.
“We’ve had a conversation and Stef feels comfortable in the role. He’s very experienced. He’s played over 50 times for his national team and he’s played for big clubs.
“I think the team will have a leadership group. The guy who puts the armband on at the weekend is important because it’s symbolic for the fans, but behind the scenes there will be four or five team captains.”
Lee Wallace and Yoann Barbet, who have both previously captained the club, have moved on this summer, and Beale says he has not yet decided on the make-up of the new leadership group.
“I have an idea of the ones that want to be in it and have an idea of the ones who maybe should,” he said.
“It’s important that you cover the whole squad. Again, it’s not about age, it’s about who I think understands what it means to play for QPR.
“Some of those players had that big disappointment last year. I think that’s an experience they can draw on this season.
“But if Stef’s playing then I don’t see any reason to take it off him right now. The big thing for Stef is that he’s got to make sure he plays.
“There’s no player that has been promised anything.“
09/07/2022 @ 4:33 pm
Well, I hope he ups his game then, last season was a big disappointment, loose passes and mistimed tackles game after game. Started the season OK but drifted as the season progressed.