Julien Stephan admits QPR had to change tactics to earn victory over Charlton

Julien Stephan admitted a change of tactics was needed to deliver his first win as QPR boss following the 3-1 victory over Charlton.

Late goals from Koki Saito and Richard Kone secured the three points – a week after Rangers were humiliated 7-1 by Coventry.

Frenchman Stephan promised after that debacle his team would look very different in the derby at Loftus Road.

He delivered on that promise, making five changes and introducing a more direct style of play.

Like his predecessor Marti Cifuentes, Stephan has had to adapt to the Championship after a difficult start.

Stephan explained: “I said after the game against Coventry that we would have a completely different team. Yes, it was an adaptation. Not a transformation but an adaptation.

“We had a different style of play and sometimes you need to use more long balls.  It’s a tough league and we want to improve.

“In the Championship we learn with each game and it’s important to adapt sometimes. If we have to adapt then we will adapt, no problem. I think we learned from the last game.

“Congratulations to the players. It’s not easy to switch after a game last week to a good feeling and good performance.

“After the last game it was a very good week to know more about each player and all the resources we have in the club.

“I also want to congratulate all the staff, who did a very good job all week, and the management also. Everybody stayed very united. It’s a very good win, so congratulations to everybody.”

Rob Apter equalised after Paul Smyth’s early opener put Rangers ahead.

Saito restored the lead after combining with fellow substitute Esquerdinha, and Kone scored with virtually the last kick of the game.

“I want to congratulate all the players, but especially the players who came on,” Stephan added.

“The players on the bench at the beginning did very well in the last 30 minutes. They brought us a lot of energy and quality.”

Charlton boss Nathan Jones insisted QPR’s Amadou Mbengue should have been sent off when the score was 1-1.

Mbengue, already on a booking, fouled Charlie Kelman but escaped a second yellow card.

Jones said: “Kelman goes down, which is a second booking. It wasn’t given because apparently it wasn’t a ‘promising attack’ – even though it was right on the edge of the 18-yard box.

“I don’t know how much more promising you have to get. It’s a categorical yellow card.

“They scored (their second goal) from a counter-attack and that’s the only way I saw them scoring, really. There’s a lesson to be learned there.

“We’re learning, and also if we don’t defend and are not the best version of ourselves then we’re going to be punished.

“It’s a learning curve for us. We’re new into the league and we have to learn quickly.”