Warburton: Relegation battle if QPR keep missing chances

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Under-pressure QPR manager Mark Warburton admits his side face a relegation battle if they continue to miss chances.

Rangers, beaten 2-0 at home by Swansea, are without a win in eight matches and have won just one of their past 11.


They sit 19th in the Championship table – just four points above the drop zone – and Warburton’s position is under scrutiny.

QPR director of football Les Ferdinand and chief executive Lee Hoos had a lengthy discussion in the directors’ box after the game.

And Warburton’s frustration was obvious after a third defeat in four home matches.

Asked if his team were now in a relegation battle, he said: “The table doesn’t lie. I can’t sit here and sound like an idiot saying ‘no we’re fine’ – the table tells you where we are.

“We’re responsible for where we are and we’re responsible for getting out of that. Plain and simple. It would be foolish to say otherwise.”

Rangers had opportunities during an even first half but went behind in bizarre fashion a minute before the interval.

Jake Bidwell’s header appeared to be going wide but R’s defender Yoann Barbet headed the ball against the woodwork, leaving keeper Seny Dieng stranded – and Andre Ayew with an open goal.

There was no way back for Warburton’s side after Jamal Lowe raced through to score nine minutes into the second half.

Warburton said: “Possession, chances – all these stats are irrelevant. There’s only one really important stat and that’s goals.

“In the first half we completely controlled it, looked strong and confident, got balls in the box, and we have to take our chances. It’s as simple as that.

“We were in control in that first half and never felt threatened at all. We moved the ball well and threatened them.

“You can dominate long periods of play but it’s irrelevant if you don’t put the ball in the back of the opposing net.

“We create chances but chances are irrelevant if you don’t convert them.

“Everything we do – every pattern of play, combination and every movement – has to result in something positive. And today again we’ve missed chance after chance.

“At the moment we’re flattering to deceive. We have to be better and we have to be more ruthless.”