Cifuentes hails ‘brilliant’ Lloyd after QPR cup win

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Marti Cifuentes admitted his QPR rode their luck in the second half against Cambridge as they progressed to the second round of the Carabao Cup – but was encouraged by the performance of youngster Alfie Lloyd. 

First-half goals from Michael Frey and Paul Smyth put Rangers in full control before a mistake by Joe Walsh, whose kick went straight to the feet of Paul Digby on the edge of the box, hauled Cambridge back in to the game 10 minutes into the second half.


The U’s dominated from that point. with keeper Walsh atoning for his error with two excellent saves, while Shane Lavery hit the post and referee Paul Howard waved away two strong penalty claims from the home side.

“I think it is important in these kinds of games to evaluate properly because we know games like this can turn that way,” R’s head coach Cifuentes said.

“We had a really good period in the first half and scored a brilliant first goal with great collective play and had chances to score a second goal.

“When we did score the second goal it came at good moment because Cambridge started to push, but we know that when you have a team that has nothing to lose they will take risks.

“We have to admit our second-half performance wasn’t the best, but we went through

“The reality is the more games you play well in the more you win, but tonight we had good periods of the game but we need to be self critical about the second half.

“We need to learn how to control the game better and how to be more dominant with the ball, but it is work in progress.”

Cifuentes gave full debuts to Jonathan Varane, Liam Morrison and Lloyd, with the young forward the most impressive of the trio.

Cifuentes said: “I was satisfied with all of them. Jonathan is a player who is good in duels and brave in possession but perhaps we need to be.

“Perhaps he lost a few balls where we need to get him to understand where the other players are, but I am satisfied he can play at this level and was strong enough to play 60 to 70 minutes as we planned.

“Liam showed some good things on the ball in the first half but in the second it was more challenging because of the way Cambridge attacked with quick, fresh players.

“Alfie was brilliant. He spent a lot of energy pressing and trying to get in behind. But it is very good news from a club perspective that he is performing the way he is.”