QPR manager Marti Cifuentes expressed concern over his team’s vulnerability to set pieces following their FA Cup defeat to Bournemouth. Despite taking a first-half lead with goals from Sinclair Armstrong and Lyndon Dykes, QPR couldn’t hold on as Marcus Tavernier, Kieffer Moore, and Justin Kluivert orchestrated an impressive comeback for Bournemouth at Loftus Road.
Cifuentes acknowledged the team’s ongoing struggle with set-piece defense since he assumed the managerial role in October. He disclosed that out of the 15 goals conceded during his tenure, 10 resulted from set-pieces. Despite Asmir Begovic’s error in conceding Moore’s goal from a corner, Cifuentes refrained from singling out individuals and emphasized collective responsibility in addressing the issue.
While praising Begovic’s experience and leadership qualities, Cifuentes stressed the need for improvement in dealing with set pieces, attributing the problem to both tactical and mental aspects. He described it as a team-wide challenge and emphasized the importance of finding a balance to rectify the recurring issue.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola credited his team’s second-half comeback to a shift in urgency and a higher tempo. He highlighted the significance of improved performance and mentality in turning the game around. Iraola expressed confidence in the players’ belief that a comeback was possible, fueled by their recent positive performances.
Iraola also acknowledged QPR’s susceptibility to defensive set-pieces, and he praised his team’s execution during Moore’s equalizing goal. He noted the effectiveness of Bournemouth’s set-piece strategy and credited the precision in their execution for securing the crucial goals. The victory reflected Bournemouth’s mental resilience and strategic prowess, providing a positive outlook for their future performances.
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