Despite a disappointing 1-0 home defeat against Southampton, QPR manager Marti Cifuentes expressed optimism and encouragement from his team’s performance. Currently positioned third from the bottom in the championship, the team has faced consecutive losses after securing three victories in a row under Cifuentes’ recent appointment.
Cifuentes acknowledged his disappointment with the result, emphasizing the team’s desire to secure wins. However, he found solace in the positive aspects of the match, praising the team’s effort in playing positive and attacking football against one of the top sides in the league. The manager highlighted the team’s ability to make things challenging for Southampton and noted a particularly strong period in the first half.
The setback came when QPR conceded a goal from a set-piece, prompting discussions at halftime about increasing pressure on the opponent. Cifuentes commended the team for executing this plan excellently. While he recognized a need for more clinical finishing in the final third, he characterized the overall performance as very positive. Despite the losses, Cifuentes expressed confidence in the team’s ability to accumulate points if they maintain the level of play displayed.
The post-match concerns included the injury to Chris Willock, a key player for QPR, who exited the game in the second half. Cifuentes shared that the medical staff was assessing Willock’s condition, mentioning a knock to his foot or ankle. Expressing the player’s importance and satisfaction with his performances, Cifuentes revealed his hope for Willock’s swift recovery, especially considering the upcoming crucial matches during the festive period.
Additionally, center-back Steve Cook was absent from the game due to a minor injury sustained against Sheffield Wednesday. Cifuentes clarified that Cook had experienced a muscular issue and, despite attempts to recover, did not feel fit enough to play. The manager mentioned the decision to rotate Cook and expressed uncertainty about his availability for the upcoming Boxing Day clash against Millwall. Cifuentes underscored Cook’s importance to the team and emphasized the need to assess his readiness for the upcoming fixtures.
In conclusion, despite the recent defeat and injury concerns, Cifuentes remained optimistic about the team’s progression and improvement. The focus shifted to the upcoming matches, with the manager expressing confidence that maintaining the displayed level of performance could yield positive results and help the team climb the championship table.
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