QUEENS Park Rangers supporters sung Marti Cifuentes’ name as their side closed in on a great escape – but the R’s boss was keen to share the adulation with his staff and players after their 1-0 win at Swansea City moved them six points clear of the Championship relegation zone.
Steve Cook scored the only goal on 71 minutes as QPR made it six points from six over Easter.
QPR were 23rd when Cifuentes took over from the sacked Gareth Ainsworth last October after the side had lost six games in a row and were six points adrift of safety.
But after a rocky run over December and early January when they didn’t win in seven Championship games, losing five, they have only been defeated in two of their last thirteen, winning seven of them.
There were more than 1,300 R’s fans in South Wales cheering on their side.
“The fans are playing their part,” Cifuentes said. “I am happy when they sing my name but when they do I understand it is for all the staff and all the hard work they put in, as well as the players.
“Football belongs to the players and I don’t have any intention to change that.”
Cifuentes added: “I know that we need more points. When I see the table I see that we need to collect more points.
“I am proud and happy, of course. I am proud for the effort, for the work the guys put into it, because it’s not an easy game.
“We started in a good way, getting some chances, but I think slowly Swansea started showing why they are a good team. Since January they have been getting better and better.
“They have good quality players and a style of play that is difficult to play against. We adjusted some details at half-time. We had the capacity to score in a key moment.
“What I know when I see the table is that we need more points. We are in a good moment, of course, the team is improving, but we need to be aware that there are six games left and we need more points.”
Cook scored for the second game in a row after being set up by Jimmy Dunne, who had scored the winner against Birmingham City on Good Friday.
Cifuentes said: “I am very happy for him but I don’t care who scores the goals!
“For me, the most important thing is the progress. When I arrived set-pieces were a big issue. Unfortunately, the team was conceding a lot and it is something the team has struggled with for a few seasons.
“So far, there has been an improvement, not only when we defend set-pieces but also when we attack as well, we are starting to create more chances.
“This shows the progress the team is making and we need to keep on because it is not over.”
QPR host 23rd-place Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
