MARTI Cifuentes is convinced QPR will beat the drop despite their recent blip.
The Hoops were enjoying a welcome three-game winning run, results which took them within touching distance of safety.
However, a frustrating 0-0 home draw against 10-man Plymouth and a last-gasp 2-1 defeat at drop rivals Sheffield Wednesday have kept the Hoops in the bottom three just when it looked like they were about to get out of it.
Tomorrow sees the start of a busy run of Christmas fixtures and it looks a tough test at home to a Southampton side unbeaten in 14 games.
But QPR’s manager remains highly optimistic his side have what it takes to retain their Championship status.
He told the club’s YouTube channel: “I’m completely convinced we are going to skip the bottom three. Completely convinced.
“But this cannot happen from one game losing it.
“When I arrived, it was eight points between us and getting out of the relegation zone.
“Now we are only two, but still I know there is a lot of work to do.”
Cifuentes added: “What makes me feel very encouraged is that I see those guys working every day, that I feel the atmosphere on my neck every time I step from the bench at Loftus Road that I know, I see, I can feel how engaged and how supportive have been the fans since my arrival.
“I think we are starting to create a unity, that identity that is very important to succeed at whatever we want.”
The Spaniard is also adamant last weekend’s setback at Hillsborough will not alter the long-term plan he has for the Hoops.
He explained: “Step by step we just need to make sure that we don’t lose it because we lose one football game. This will not change my approach.
“I know that the guys are committed to trying to bounce back after the last game. We are not satisfied at all with the result, we are not satisfied with our last performance but we have a new opportunity against Southampton.
“We are aware about how big is the challenge but we re confident as well about the quality we have, about who we are, how strong we can be at home and for me that is why I am very, very confident.”
Southampton have responded well to last year’s relegation and Cifuentes is anticipating a difficult encounter against in-form opponents.
But the Loftus Road gaffer also knows what is required if his side are to return to winning ways against the Saints.
Cifuentes said: “Preparing well because it is always challenging to play any football game but especially against good teams.
“Again, what gives me confidence and what I am encouraged by is I know how those guys have been working this week.
“The team has been preparing well. We made some adjustments according to our last two performances that can help us a lot in the next few games.”
He added: “I think we are working in a good direction.
“At least I am sure that we are going to give a good performance level in terms of when we don’t have the ball, when we have the ball a clear idea on how we want to play.
“Southampton are doing really well but there will be a moment when they lose a football game. Hopefully it is going to be tomorrow.”
