QPR boss: We’re experiencing the harsh reality of the Championship

Marti Cifuentes says his QPR side are experiencing the harsh reality of the Championship after they suffered their fourth straight defeat in the competition at Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

Tommy Conway and former Charlton defender Anfernee Dijksteel put the hosts 2-0 up after 58 minutes at The Riverside, writes Edmund Brack.

Centre-back Steve Cook pulled one back for the west Londoners in the 80th minute.

Rangers are nine points clear of the drop zone and 12 points off the play-offs with nine games remaining.

“We’re frustrated because of the final result,” said Cifuentes.

“We are angry. We played against a good team. They’re brilliant at breaking lines and accelerating, but it was a game with good spells for both teams and good moments for both teams.

“I’m disappointed about the way we conceded, especially the second goal. It’s usually a game of taking your chances – we didn’t and they did.

“This is a very honest group. We kept pushing and the reality is that this group never gives up.

“We are all angry with the result but I cannot be angry with this team, they are trying everything. With the amount of adversity they are facing, it is very difficult.

“We have been in this situation before, we know how to change the dynamic.

“In my opinion it’s a bit harsh that we have lost four in a row, but that’s the reality of the league.

“We cannot feel sorry for ourselves. We need to make sure that we improve those competitive situations to make sure that we get points.

“We need to make sure that we pick up again, that we pull ourselves together and that we make sure that we are prepared.”

Rangers host automatic promotion hopefuls Leeds United at Loftus Road tomorrow.

“We need to keep pushing because there are still nine games to go,” said Cifuentes.

“We have not achieved the first target, the main target (reaching 56 points), and we need to produce one of these good afternoons at Loftus Road.”

PICTURE: ROB AVIS