QPR boss laughs off rumours of row with Johansen

QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth has laughed off rumours of a row with Stefan Johansen.

Ainsworth, who took over in February, was made aware of claims on social media that he had fallen out with the midfielder, who started the season as club captain.

He said: “I found out the other day that there was some rumour that me and Stef had fallen out, which is brilliant because he’s probably the closest to me out of the playing squad.

“As soon as I came in the door I made sure that I linked with Stef and asked him about the squad.”

Ainsworth’s comments came after he recently declared that three senior players – Johansen, Albert Adomah and Chris Martin – played important behind-the-scenes roles in helping Rangers avoid relegation.

However, there are doubts over Johansen’s future at the club.

He has a year remaining on his contract but a move before then – potentially to his native Norway – is a possibility.

Johansen has not been selected for much of the run-in and is unsuited to Ainsworth’s direct style of play.

Ainsworth made that clear to the former Fulham man – but insists their relationship has been excellent.

“I said to him: ‘The intensity we’re playing at the moment doesn’t suit your passing game’,” Ainsworth explained.

“He’s a fantastic player on the ball but we needed this pressing, intense game.

“He was brilliant about it. He was absolutely fantastic. It’s amazing how rumours get out.”