QPR manager Marti Cifuentes commended his team for a significant improvement in their performance during the goalless draw against Ipswich, following a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Millwall on Boxing Day. The Rangers exhibited a commendable level of commitment and competitiveness throughout the game, showcasing a positive response to their recent setbacks.
Cifuentes highlighted the team’s close opportunities to score, including Steve Cook’s header against the post from Kenneth Paal’s first-half corner. Despite their appeals for a penalty being dismissed, especially in the final moments when Kayden Jackson handled Reggie Cannon’s cross, Cifuentes acknowledged the marginal situations that could have tilted the game in their favor.
While generally refraining from complaints about referees, Cifuentes pointed out instances in recent games where decisions did not go their way. He praised the referees for their overall performance but emphasized a clear handball incident in the match that went unnoticed.
The second half experienced a delay due to a medical emergency in the crowd, leading to a six-minute warm-up period for the teams. Chris Willock, whose fitness was a concern, was replaced by Paul Smyth during this interval, with Cifuentes explaining the difficulty of keeping players warm during such disruptions.
Cifuentes provided an update on Ilias Chair, stating that the player is currently under assessment after sustaining an injury in the second half. Overall, the QPR manager expressed satisfaction with the team’s improved display and acknowledged the challenges posed by unforeseen circumstances during the match, including the delay and subsequent substitutions.
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