Stephan convinced QPR have improved

Julien Stephan believes QPR are in much better shape than a year ago.

Rangers opened their season with a Carabao Cup tie against Millwall, losing on penalties, and will begin their Championship campaign with a match at Portsmouth this weekend.

Stephan said: “We are just at the beginning of August, but if I compare this game (against Millwall) with the game we played at the same moment last season against Preston the difference is huge in terms of collective quality and what we do on the pitch.”

Rangers were plagued by injuries to key players for much of last season – Stephan’s first after taking over as head coach.

Fitness levels generally seemed to be lacking from the off, but the Frenchman sees a significant improvement this time round.

He said: “We know that Millwall is one of the most physical teams in the league and I think we competed completely against them.

“I think physically we finished very strong as well. Fitness-wise it was OK. We were close to 100% physically, so it’s a good sign for us.”

Meanwhile, QPR defender Tylon Smith is set to move to New England Revolution.