‘That’s why we’re where we are’: Portsmouth boss’ no-nonsense demand to get season firing at QPR

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John Mousinho has demanded Pompey find a ruthless streak in front of goal to reverse their Championship fortunes.

But the Blues boss is adamant it’s not a lack of cutting edge that is the major concern for his side, as they return to action after the international break.

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Pompey have returned nine league goals so far this term, with just four second-tier sides scoring fewer from the league games so far.

Furthermore, it’s been four goals from the past six outings, with a failure to put the ball in the back of the net more than once on any of those occasions.

Mousinho feels chances are being created, however, with the requirement for his team to be more clinical in front of goal.

He said: ‘I feel we’re okay in terms of attacking threat and goals scored. I’m not hugely worried by that, though we’d always like to score more goals.

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‘We created more than enough against Oxford to score more than we did. We didn’t put the ball in the back of the net, but that’s not something we’ve been too guilty of this season.

‘We’ve taken chances when they’ve come, but we need to be a lot more solid at the back.

‘We did enough in the Oxford game and that was shown post-match when we looked at everything. We could be pleased with the chances created, but disappointed we didn’t come away having won the game.

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‘With the reality of what we’re faced with we can’t come away saying we’ve been a bit unlucky - we have to put the ball in the back of the net in those moments.

‘We need to be a lot more clinical and ruthless at both ends of the pitch. That’s what separates sides from the ones who are struggling at this level.

‘Other teams we’ve faced have put the ball in the back against us when they’ve had opportunities.

‘They’ve shown that clinical and ruthless edge. That’s why we’re where we are at the moment and other sides are where they are.’

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