MARTI Cifuentes said he was “proud” of his players after Queens Park Rangers were edged out 2-1 by Crystal Palace in the third round of the EFL Cup at Loftus Road.
Eddie Nketiah gave the Eagles the lead in the first half before Sam Field levelled after the break.
Oliver Glasner’s side went through after former Hoops attacker Eberichi Eze saw his shot deflect off Steve Cook past goalkeeper Joe Walsh.
“I am proud of the guys,” Cifuentes said. “We were disappointed with the first goal because it has a big impact on the development of the game but I definitely felt that in the second half we really pushed for getting the win against a very good Premier League side that played with a very strong XI.”
“Emotionally, it was tough to accept [Palace’s first goal] because lately we have been very good in defending set-pieces.
“They played [the free-kick] fast and it is definitely a situation where we need to be much better.”
Cifuentes made seven changes from the side that rescued a late draw at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
Cifuentes said: “I have full confidence in all the players.
“I think that they responded well and the guys are showing in training that they can contribute to the team, sometimes it is from the bench and today from the start.
“That is what we want to build, that everybody is ready to contribute and play at a high level.
“I am sad about [Palace’s winner] because it was during a good moment for us. Before our equaliser, we had a very good chance with Paul Smyth at the far post, then we got our reward with the goal, and after that moment we got good sequences.
“But then we concede a goal which was difficult but that is part of the game.”
QPR have another London derby on Saturday when they host Millwall at 12.30pm.
