QPR boss Marti Cifuentes explains thinking behind Michael Frey signing
Being able to offer a crucial finishing touch encouraged QPR to sign Swiss striker Micahel Frey, according to Marti Cifuentes.
Frey is Cifuentes’ first signing as Rangers head coach, and he makes the move to west London as the next step in a nomadic career that has seen him represent 10 different clubs across a 12-year career.
The 29-year-old has arrived on a permanent deal from Belgian club Royal Antwerp, where he scored 33 goals in 69 matches.
“We clearly thought [we needed] someone with the capacity to finish actions, to have this last touch,” said Cifuentes.
“In many games it seems that we are not creating as many chances as needed, not because we don’t get into the final third but sometimes it is about occupying the box and being in the right time and the right moment.
“It is one of the most difficult things in football. Someone that can naturally give us this is a big asset for us.
“He was very eager and had a big desire to play for us, play in the Championship and play in England and show his qualities. That was an important part of it as well.
“Michael has a lot of experience in different leagues. He has been playing with teams that are activating him a lot in the final third, he has this [scoring] touch.
“He has played in European games and at big clubs, he’s a player who I’m sure will not be afraid of the challenge we have in front of us. We need players with the personality for the task ahead of us.”
QPR were also able to add loanees Isaac Hayden and Joe Hodge to their squad before the January transfer window closed and, along with Frey, they could be set to make their debuts in Saturday’s game against Blackburn Rovers.
Cifuentes confirmed that Rayan Kolli is the only player expected to miss the trip to Ewood Park through injury, with Reggie Cannon overcoming a knock that forced him off in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Huddersfield.
Sam Field will be absent though after picking up his 10th yellow card of the season in the same game.