QPR boss Marti Cifuentes understands fans’ frustration after win over Oxford United

QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes accepted frustration from supporters during the first half of his side’s 2-0 win against Oxford United on Wednesday.

Following an impressive 3-0 win against Norwich City at the weekend, fans at Loftus Road had to sit through a scrappy opening 45 minutes before Sam Field earned victory with two second-half strikes.

The victory means that Rangers are four points clear of the Championship relegation zone, leading Cifuentes to call for some perspective.

“There was a clear feeling [of frustration] at half-time and during the first half,” he said.

“QPR has a history of playing attacking and attractive football and that was one of the main reasons why I came here.

“I completely agree that the first half was not great but I think everyone understands where we have come from.

“Three weeks ago, this was looking different and now the expectation, it’s normal because fans are emotional, everybody will expect a win against Bristol City [on Saturday] and that’s the way it must be, but I am aware it’s not going to be an easy game.

“I know that the fans will be with us and behind us because when we were playing worse than we did today in the first half some weeks ago they were behind us.

“It’s part of football and I’m committed to making sure we improve our performances.

“When you look back three weeks ago, everybody would have taken a victory like this but suddenly it seems that what we did in the first half was not good enough – which I agree it was not good enough, but I think we need to be very humble and be aware where we are with a lot of injured players.

“The reality is we are missing a lot of key players, and it is not easy to do what these guys are doing. Mentally, with all the adversity we have been through, I want to give a lot of credit to the players.”

Rangers were much improved in the second half following the disappointing start to the game, with Field proving the match-winner.

The midfielder opened the scoring when he met a Rayan Kolli header in the penalty area before doubling his tally with a confident finish from the edge of the box.

Cifuentes revealed he told his players at half-time to retain their composure.

“One of the most important things is to understand what message the players need,” he said. “Every player is different. Some players need a push, some players need the opposite – a pat on the back.

“It’s easy to get angry when the first half is not working, but it’s something that I’ve learnt through my career, perhaps these are the moments where you need to show more calm because that’s what the players need.

“Credit to the players. I did not win the second half. I didn’t score two goals. It was the players, the guys started the second half really well.”

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