Cifuentes wants strong finish after QPR move closer to points target

Marti Cifuentes is keen for QPR go on and better the 56 points they managed last season despite a troubled campaign this time around.

Hopes were high after a sparkling end to last season that Rangers would be stronger this term under the Spaniard.

Instead the endured a terrible start and another more recent dip, while dealing with a raft of injuries.

But their 2-1 triumph at Preston, where Lucas Andersen netted a stoppage-time winner, moved them to 53 points and confirmed their Championship status for next season.

Rangers are now unbeaten in four matches – a run which has included wins – and surpassing last season’s points tally would be seen by head coach Cifuentes as a sign of real progress.

He said: “We need to keep pushing. It’s my nature as a coach.

“I’m a competitive person. The boys are competitive and we will not relax. We want to finish the season in a good way.”

Cifuentes described the injury suffered by Koki Saito, who was stretchered off in the first half, as the “only negative” on an otherwise great day for Rangers, who will be at home to Swansea on Easter Monday.

Andersen crossed for fellow substitute Michael Frey to equalise and then scored with a cracking strike.

Cifuentes said: “A fantastic two goals. I get a lot of things wrong but I didn’t get these (substitutions) wrong!”