Mark Warburton put QPR’s defeat at Plymouth down to a failure to take their chances.
They made an immediate exit from the Carabao Cup, losing 3-2 at Home Park.
It was a similar story to so many games last season, with Rangers defending poorly but manager Warburton focusing largely on events at the other end of the pitch.
“You’ve got to put the ball in the back of the net,” said Warburton, whose side open their Championship campaign against his former club Nottingham Forest next weekend.
“When you start the second half like that - we were quick and sharp - you have to put the ball in the back of the net. We didn’t do that.
“Goals change games. That ruthless streak is so important. We created a lot of chances and didn’t maximise it.”
Recent signing Rob Dickie made his debut and there was also an outing for Tom Carroll.
Midfielder Carroll, whose move to QPR was confirmed this week, made his first competitive appearance since featuring in Swansea’s FA Cup hammering by the R’s in January.
Warburton said: “I was really pleased in terms of the 90 minutes for Rob, which is important.
“There was a lot going on with the transfer and, for a young player, it was a lot of upheaval, so he deserves a lot of credit.
“And Tom Carroll is an experienced Premier League player who has had some injuries but is now back, fit and strong. I’m delighted to have him join the squad.”