Stephan backs ‘outstanding’ Charles after QPR’s cup exit
Julien Stephan backed Pierce Charles following QPR’s Carabao Cup exit against Millwall.
Keeper Charles, making his competitive debut for the R’s following a loan move from Manchester City, fumbled Camiel Neghli’s left-wing cross, enabling Luke Cundle to tap in from close range.
A late own goal by Mark Sykes brought Rangers level and Charles saved two spot-kicks in the penalty shootout which followed.
But Lions keeper Lukas Jensen saved all four of QPR’s penalties, denying Ilias Chair, Harvey Vale, Koki Saito and Kwame Poku.
Head coach Stephan said: “Pierce did an outstanding performance – how he reacted mentally after (the mistake) was perfect.
“His distribution was fantastic and made a huge impact. We don’t forget that he’s only 21.”
Stephan was pleased with Rangers’ performance.
“All the players gave everything and we have a lot of positive things,” he said.
“I think we did a very good performance; collectively very dominant on the pitch with a lot of courage to play the way we wanted to play.
“Of course it was disappointing to lose on penalties, but for me there were a lot of positives in this game.”
Tony
08/08/2026 @ 6:56 pm
Been supporting Rangers for 60 years …. For most of that time, it was rare to have a game where the team did not have a shot on goal in the first half. Now a days it happens frequently. We need a centre forward who can keep the ball. If RK does now have that in his locker by now, he never will. Big mistake allowing Michael Frey to leave.