Inside QPR’s three-week break as Stephan maps out squad plan | OneFootball

QPR have reached an unprecedented three-week international break in sixth place, with only one defeat and the Championship’s second-best defence. After winning three of their first four, a narrow Middlesbrough loss was followed by three draws.

Last weekend’s 2-2 at home to managerless Preston felt a missed chance. According to Hounslow Herald, Julien Stephan praised the response after his side went two goals and a man down before half-time, Paul Smyth striking a late equaliser.

The club’s appeal against Dennis Cirkin’s red card was rejected. Stephan will use the window to review the start and prepare for West Ham on 9 October. Players not on international duty are following tailored workloads based on minutes, with recovery time and pitch work adjusted individually.

He also arranged Development Squad minutes on Monday and a friendly late in week two. Richard Kone, Rayan Kolli, Justin Obikwu and Liam Morrison played in a 3-1 U21s defeat to Bolton, Kolli scoring off the bench.

Kone went off before the half-hour after a reckless two-footed challenge, and the extent of his injury is unknown. Kolli has not featured for the first team this season amid off-field disputes over a move from W12.

Glen Kamara and Cirkin have senior call-ups, Kamara with Finland for the first time in a year and Cirkin set for a Latvia debut. As both joined in summer without full pre-seasons, Stephan has asked their federations to manage workloads, saying they are not ready for four matches in quick succession.

Source: Hounslow Herald

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”