QPR boss Cifuentes declares Preston win ‘best performance’ of the season
Second-half goals from Rayan Kolli and Jimmy Dunne helped Rangers come from a goal down to earn a third consecutive home win.
Milutin Osmajic had given the visitors the lead against the run of play in the first half, but QPR were well on top long before Preston defender Liam Lindsay was sent off in the final 10 minutes.
“Even against Norwich [in the recent 3-0 win] we had a stronger result, for me the performance today is more complete in the way we want to play,” said Cifuentes.
“We played with confidence in possession. We were aggressive when we had to be in the high press, especially in the second half. Our mid-block against a team that is really direct and physical worked really well.
“We need more of that. We cannot just be happy with that. Today we won a game and it’s seven in a row, but the reality is the Christmas schedule is crazy and we need to be ready.”
The victory also extended QPR’s unbeaten run to seven matches as they continue to put a difficult start to the season behind them. Rangers are now 14th in the Championship standings, seven points above the relegation zone.
They were bottom of the league following the 1-1 draw with Stoke City on November 23, but Cifuentes is not getting carried away following the recent improvement.
When asked if he’d allowed himself a look at the league table, the Catalan said: “I would be stupid if I did [look].
“If one month ago I was not looking much, why should I now? The reality is that it can go up and it can go down. That’s why I’m always very focused on the performances.
“I understand that people will be happy today. I am very happy for the owners because they have been supportive in the last days and I appreciate that. This victory as well is for them, but the reality is we need to keep working.
“There are 24 games still to play and it’s going to be tough, there will be up and downs, but we keep working in a humble way and keep trying to improve.”