QPR Manager Marti Cifuentes Praises ‘Very Good’ Leeds United After 2-0 Defeat
Queens Park Rangers manager Marti Cifuentes has shared his honest verdict on Leeds United after his side’s 2-0 defeat at Elland Road.
Cifuentes’ Assessment
Speaking post-match, Cifuentes acknowledged Leeds United’s superiority.
“Definitely Leeds were the better team in the game,” Cifuentes said. “We tried to compete at the highest level we could. We knew that Leeds is a very good team.”
Cifuentes highlighted Leeds United’s strengths.
“They have the capacity to build very well with two centre halves and two midfielders dropping deep, and then full backs really high and a lot of players in the pockets,” he explained. “We knew about their capacity in the build-up.”
QPR’s Challenges
Cifuentes emphasized the difficulties his team faced.
“We knew that we had to do almost the perfect defensive game out of possession, and then use our chances,” he said. “It is true that when we arrived to the last third, when you have got situations like the few that we got today, you need to have a high level of accuracy if you want to get something from a game like today.”
Cifuentes’ Admiration for Leeds
Despite the defeat, Cifuentes showed admiration for Leeds United.
“I am sad for the guys because we are in a very difficult trend, but we played against a very good team,” he said.
Leeds United’s Dominance
The statistics supported Cifuentes’ assessment, with QPR having just 31% possession and four shots during the 90 minutes.
Jayden Bogle’s early goal set the tone for Leeds United’s dominance, and Joel Piroe’s late strike sealed the victory.
Daniel Farke’s Praise for Cifuentes
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke praised Cifuentes’ managerial quality.
“Everyone expects us to win. It’s not easy,” Farke said. “We had to be on it. Electrifying first half. Took a deserved lead.”
Farke acknowledged QPR’s struggles.
“QPR struggling with injuries, but they will finish in a better position than they are,” he predicted.
Cifuentes’ Previous Success
Cifuentes had previously masterminded QPR’s 4-0 win over Leeds United in the penultimate game of last season.
However, this match was a different story, with QPR missing key players Ilias Chair, Karamoko Dembele, and Jack Colback.
Conclusion
Marti Cifuentes’ honest assessment of Leeds United reflects the gulf between the two teams.
While QPR face a challenging period, Cifuentes’ managerial quality and previous success suggest they can turn their fortunes around.
Leeds United, meanwhile, continue to demonstrate their Championship credentials.
References:
GRV Media Ltd.
Leeds United FC
Queens Park Rangers
Sky Bet Championship
Marti Cifuentes
Daniel Farke