‘A rollercoaster of a game’ – Marti Cifuentes reacts to his first win as QPR head coach

QPR boss Marti Cifuentes was delighted to come out on top in a dramatic 4-2 win against Stoke City on Tuesday.

A late comeback earned Cifuentes his first win in four games as head coach and ended the club’s 12-game winless streak.

It was by no means a straightforward victory with QPR 2-1 down against 10-man Stoke in the closing stages despite Lyndon Dykes giving them the lead from the penalty spot early on.

However, a flurry of late goals turned the game in Rangers’ favour and moved the west Londoners within three points of Championship safety on a night when tributes were paid to QPR legend Terry Venables.

Picture: Rob Avis – QPR vs Stoke City, 28th November 2023, SkyBet Championship

“It was a rollercoaster of a game,” Cifuentes said. “It’s a fantastic win for all of us. Not only me as a manager but I am very happy for the players because they are working really hard, because of the supporters who have been amazing since my arrival, and I really wanted to win this game for the memory of Terry Venables and his family.

“It was important that we could win, especially in a game like this with the red card, the penalty and them taking the lead. It was a milestone for us definitely.”

QPR missed an opportunity to extend their lead in the first half through Dykes moments before Stoke went up the other end and equalised through Ryan Nmaee

However, the Scottish international recovered to equalise after Wouter Burger had put the Potters ahead despite them being down a man when Enda Stevens was shown a second yellow card.

“Sometimes the game has key moments and you have to fight for the edges,” said Cifuentes. “Unfortunately we didn’t score to make it 2-0 with a very clear chance then in the same action they made it 1-1 just before half-time which always makes it a bit tougher.

“After getting the red card you may think now we are going to push and suddenly they score the second goal which emotionally is a big challenge for the guys. But the way they turned it around, I am so glad for them because that shows the quality in this squad.”

PICTURES: ROB AVIS

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