MARTI Cifuentes said his Queens Park Rangers side have a “solid foundation” at the start of pre-season after their 2-0 win against UE Santa Coloma in Girona last weekend.
Ilias Chair opened the scoring in the first half before Michael Frey doubled the advantage after the break in Spain.
Cifuentes gave nineteen players 45 minutes of action.
“The guys did well after what I would say has been a heavy week for them in terms of the load and how much work we have done on the pitch, that is why we only had 45 minutes, more or less, for each player,” Cifuentes said on QPR’s website.
“It was a positive start against a team that are much further forward in terms of their preparation because they are playing a Champions League qualifier next week. It was a good test and so far no injuries, which is always good start.
“You can see that our starting point has solid foundation.
“We can see that there is continuity from last season. There are a lot of concepts and a lot of things in our game that our established players can recognise quickly.
“It is true that this week we worked mainly on just a couple of things, especially in our build-up and especially in our pressing. There are things that we will adjust but the foundation is there.”
Attacker Paul Smyth explained the focus of the pre-season work.
“It has been very, very tough but we’re all enjoying working on their tactics – how they wants us to press and how they want us to play.
“It’s almost disguised running which is positive – we’re playing football as well as running hard.
“I’m 26 years of age and in the older group! Which tells you how young our team is and how willing to learn they are.
“The younger players are enthusiastic and full of energy. I thought I was full of beans!
“They have lots of energy and that adds freshness for the older players, too. Everyone wants to press and do well for the team.
QPR’S first Championship game of the new season is against West Bromwich Albion on August 10.
Smyth said: “I can’t wait to get back to Loftus Road in front of a full house and with all the fans singing.
“The first game’s at home and I hope everyone’s got their season tickets at the ready.
“We are working hard in order to put on performances next season.”
