Steve McClaren must address ill-discipline after QPR’s cup exit

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Jordan Cousins saw red and Josh Scowen was hauled off early on as Queens Park Rangers limped out of the league cup.

Queens Park Rangers boss Steve McClaren saw his side go down 2-0 to Blackpool in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday as the west Londoners’ poor cup form continues.

McClaren watched his side reduced to ten men after Jordan Cousins saw red on 70 minutes, with Rangers having four players booked and clocking up 22 fouls on the night, according to BBC Sport.

The stats demonstrate the lack of discipline shown from QPR and this is an area that McClaren will need to look into. It could prove vital over a demanding Championship season.

The R’s were poor throughout the Bloomfield Road encounter and their frustrations began to show with the number of fouls conceded, while Josh Scowen was subbed early on.

The midfielder was booked after a lunging tackle saw him escape a straight red and he was replaced by Sean Goss on 25 minutes. Cousins got his second yellow for an off the ball incident.

QPR fans will be disappointed with the way their side performed, but the obvious lack of discipline could be cause for concern over the course of the season. Scowen and Cousins should certainly know better.

A trip to Swansea City is up next for McClaren’s men and, although many changes will be made for the game, those involved against Blackpool will need to improve their discipline over the coming weeks.

Rangers are likely to struggle this season and their cause will not be helped if players are needlessly suspended. McClaren must do his utmost to keep everybody in line and focused on the task in hand.