Stephan seeks to clarify comments on QPR's need for experience - West London Sport

Julien Stephan has sought to clarify his recent comments about QPR needing more experience.

Stephan is approaching the end of his first season as head coach and has spoken about the need for Rangers to improve their injury record and have greater experience in the squad.

Speaking on the eve of Rangers’ final home match of the season, against Derby, Stephan was eager to state that he believes some of his current players will bring more experience next term.

The Frenchman explained: “The experience is experience that we can have after one or two seasons in Championship.

“The experience that some players now are able to bring, with one or two seasons in the league, in the dressing room, with the maturity that we need to have now with 50, 60, 70, or 80 games in the Championship – because it’s really important when we go through a difficult period to have this kind of leadership.

“I think we have enough personality in the dressing room now to take this responsibility next season.

“For example, Nico Madsen, this is the second season in the Championship and next season he needs to become a strong leader.

“Jimmy Dunne is our captain and he has enough experience to be one of the leaders – and he is one of the leaders.

“I think about as well Ronnie Edwards, for example. Now he has enough games behind him to have a leadership (role) as well next season.

“So when I speak about the leadership, it’s about the players in the dressing room now with two or three seasons in the Championship.”

"It's not about age" – Stephan seeks to clarify comments about QPR's need for experience. pic.twitter.com/roS7l0J8lS

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Edwards, 23, was recently given the captain’s armband in the absence of Dunne, who has been nursing an injury,

“For me it’s not only a question of age. It’s more a question of personality and desire to take the responsibility,” said Stephan.

“You don’t have to wait to 27, 28, 29 to be to be a leader. You can be a leader at 22, 23.

“The two last games the captain was Ronnie Edwards. That means that I want to give even young players some responsibilities.

“It’s not for me a question of age. It’s more a question of personality and character.”

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