Cifuentes: It’s not perfect time to take QPR job – but quality is here for me to succeed

Marti Cifuentes has admitted it is not the perfect scenario to be joining QPR but believes there is enough talent within their squad to get out of their Championship relegation battle.

Cifuentes was announced as the R’s new head coach on Monday after Gareth Ainsworth was sacked following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at home to Leicester City.

The 41-year-old left his role as boss of Swedish side Hammarby, where he has been for the past two seasons. He has also had managerial spells at Sandefjord, AaB Aalborg, Centre d’Esports l’Hospitalet and UE Sant Andreu.

“I’m extremely happy,” he told QPR’s YouTube channel. “It’s a big honour to be at a club with the history of QPR – there are good foundations in place to move forward.

“I know the players – I have been watching the past few games. It’s not the perfect scenario but, at the same time, it’s a big challenge and there is quality to move forward.

“I can’t wait to start this amazing challenge. I want to coach teams who are fun to watch for the fans. I want a team that can compete really well and get points on bad days.

“I’m not a coach who asks the lads to defend after scoring one goal. I would prefer to be proactive and to create as many chances as we can.

“I want to have fun and enjoy watching the quality players we have on show here.

“We want the ball to attack and create situations, and when we lose it, hopefully, we’re in a good situation to regain the ball quickly.”

Chairman Amit Bhatia has stepped down after five years in the role. Bhatia, who arrived as vice-chairman in 2007, will remain on the board with chief executive Lee Hoos assuming the chairman role alongside his current duties.

QPR have lost their last six matches and are in the bottom three. They head to fellow strugglers Rotherham United on Saturday.

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