Thrashing ‘doesn’t define’ QPR’s season, says defiant Cifuentes
Marti Cifuentes insisted QPR’s 5-0 hammering by Burnley in their final home match should not detract from their accomplishments this season.
And the head coach faced more questions about his future at Rangers ahead of planned talks with the club’s hierarchy.
The promoted Clarets moved to the top of the Championship with an emphatic win in a totally one-sided game at Loftus Road.
But Cifuentes was quick to point out that the main target of avoiding relegation had been achieved – all while seeking to develop young players during an injury-plagued season.
“It doesn’t define what this team has done this season and it’s very sad to finish (the season at home) that way,” he said.
“It hurts my heart because we had the desire and expectation of a much better performance.”
The Spaniard, a contender for the vacant manager’s job at West Bromwich Albion, was again asked if he expects to remain at QPR.
He said: “I said before that as long as I’m wanted, I’m very happy.
“In any case I am very calm about the job I have done and the fact that we have achieved what were difficult targets.
“I’m an ambitious person in the sense that I always push myself. I always want to improve.
“I have a contract and I want to keep improving. I enjoy my job here, enjoy English football, and am ready for more.”
Not for the first time this season, Rangers fans responded to doubts over Cifuentes’ future by making their support of him clear – despite a woeful performance.
“I appreciate that but it’s not credit to me, it’s credit to the fans,” he said.
“The way they have helped me to embrace what QPR is, the fact that from day one they supported me and the team in an incredible way.
“The way the fans have been supporting me, it makes me feel that I want to give them something back even more than the last two seasons.
“I’ve said that the support that I’ve got this season, in very difficult moments, is something that I have never seen before and will stay with me forever.
“I don’t know if one day I will write a book, but in that book for sure would be those memories.
“That’s why I’m very sad today. Today hurts. But no-one can say that without the injuries we’ve had that we wouldn’t be in a better position.”
