Stephan outlines two reasons behind QPR’s struggles with more possession | OneFootball

QPR had 58% possession at home to relegation-battling Blackburn on Saturday but lost 3-1, a setback to their play-off push.

Hounslow Herald notes this pattern has dogged Rangers all season. Their 12 Championship wins all came with under 50% possession, averaging 43%, while 11 outings above that mark yielded seven defeats and four draws.

Julien Stephan cited two main reasons. First, with a full squad he says his side are built to play vertically, using pace to run beyond defences. That approach underpinned their recent success against then-leaders Coventry, when they had 37% possession.

Second, lacking a true target, Richard Kone aside, restricts their ability to turn long spells on the ball into threats from combinations or crosses and to dominate the penalty area.

He added this does not mean they will be unable to win with more than 50% possession in future, calling it probably part of the team’s development.

Stephan rejected judging fixtures by league position, and instead stressed the need for a consistent mentality against bottom and top sides. He said that consistency is key to reaching their potential in two or three years. He accepted levels have dipped, understands fans’ frustration, and noted many young players are still learning the league.

Rangers have one win in their last six and travel to fifth-placed Hull City next. They are 13th, four points off the top six, so the result could be pivotal.

Source: Hounslow Herald