QPR Boss Marti Cifuentes Backs Leeds United as a Stronger Side Than Last Season
Queens Park Rangers manager Marti Cifuentes believes Leeds United have improved significantly compared to the side that finished third in the Championship last season.
Despite accumulating 90 points in the previous campaign, Leeds narrowly missed out on automatic promotion, with Leicester City and Ipswich Town securing the top two spots. Their hopes of reaching the Premier League were ultimately dashed in the play-off final, where Southampton claimed victory.
QPR played a part in Leeds’ disappointment last season, delivering a resounding 4-0 win at Loftus Road during the final stretch of the campaign—a result that proved to be a major setback for Daniel Farke’s team.
Cifuentes Shares His Thoughts After QPR’s 2-2 Draw with Leeds
Although QPR couldn’t repeat last season’s dominant performance, they still managed to disrupt Leeds’ promotion charge with a thrilling 2-2 draw on Saturday.
Koki Saito’s stunning goal and a Steve Cook header gave QPR a 2-0 lead inside the first half-hour. However, an own goal from Morgan Fox allowed Leeds to halve the deficit before the break. Jayden Bogle then equalized just six minutes into the second half. QPR, who were reduced to ten men late in the match following Saito’s red card, held on to secure a valuable point.
While Leeds fought back to salvage a draw, the result felt like a missed opportunity for Farke’s men, particularly as Burnley later closed the gap at the top of the table.
Speaking to Leeds Live after the match, Cifuentes was full of admiration for Farke’s side, stating that they have grown stronger compared to last season—even without major squad changes.
“Leeds are a fantastic side. I hope they go up,” Cifuentes said. “It wasn’t easy for them last season, and I’m sure a lot was running through Daniel’s mind when they were 2-0 down today. I believe they’re a stronger team this time around.”
Leeds Must Stay Focused in Promotion Battle
Leeds have been one of the Championship’s standout teams this season, making it difficult to be too critical of their performances. However, they started sluggishly against QPR, a concern given how crucial every point is in the promotion race.
After last season’s heavy defeat at Loftus Road, the club was well aware of the challenges this fixture could present. While Leeds did well to fight back and earn a draw, dropping points against an understrength QPR side will feel frustrating.
With the Championship’s promotion battle heating up, Farke and his squad must quickly shift their focus to their next challenge—a home clash against Swansea City at Elland Road following the international break.
