QPR showed their ‘limits’ in defeat at Millwall, says Stephan

Julien Stephan admitted that QPR’s current limitations were evident in their 2-0 defeat at Millwall.

Both goals at The Den came early in a totally one-sided first half in which Rangers were no match for the promotion-chasing Lions.

Head coach Stephan said: “It’s probably a question of limits. Some limits in terms of ability to win the one-v-ones, pick up the second ball and compete in the second phase of set-pieces.

“It was not a surprise. We knew exactly which kind of game we had to face today.

“But there’s a big difference between speaking, trying to explain, and acting on the pitch. There is a big difference and this is the margin that we have to improve to be able in the future to try to compete with this kind of team.

“There was a lack of intensity in the first half. We struggled a lot. That’s why we had to change a lot of things during the half-time – four changes – and I think it was better during the second half.”

Rangers’ season has been marred by injuries to key players, but a number are coming back as the campaign draws to a close.

The fit-again Kwame Poku started the game, Nicolas Madsen and Ilias Chair returned to action as substitutes, and there was also another outing for Rumarn Burrell following his recent return from a torn hamstring.

“We know that we have to manage a special situation – some players coming back from long injuries and we need to manage their playing time,” said Stephan.

“Managing that and trying to stay competitive; this is the challenge for us.”