Marti Cifuentes (Sant Cugat del Vallès, 41) succeeded in his first experience in England. Inherited a dying man Queens Park Rangers on November 1, 2023 when he arrived at the west London club and revived it until he saved it to continue for another season in championship. The Catalan coach has built a future at home to introduce himself beyond these borders after several years in Scandinavian football. Now he is where he always wanted: in English football that he has always admired.
I congratulate you. Good return
We came in with 14 games played and with the penultimate team. The goal is clear. It was an act to save ourselves and we were very happy. It’s a difficult situation because the dynamics of the club have been bad since last year.
What would you say has been the key to success?
We improved in terms of playing style. We have also succeeded in terms of connection between players and fans. Furthermore, as locals we have improved a lot and we have to take advantage of the fact that we have fans nearby. Loftus Road is a stadium where the public is very close to the pitch. We are also good at set pieces. In the end, it all made the team better. We were not getting points and it all helped us
And the signings? How influenced are they?
We have been successful in the winter market with three or four players, some of whom have Premier League experience. And others who, because of their offensive and attacking style or how they handle the ball, are important.
How would you rate this first experience in England?
When they called me I didn’t think about it. All the coaches you ask will tell you that they want to work in England because of the projects and the type of football. I have no doubt that the QPR project will be realized. It is clear to me that I have always been passionate about British football because of the pace and intensity. The stadiums are full every week
Is the Championship as competitive as the Hypermotion League?
Both the Championship and the Hypermotion League are the second best in the world. There are clubs with a lot of history in both but the comparison is complicated. The style changes but they are two very competitive leagues. What is certain here is that the economic potential of second-rate clubs is very good. This does not happen with many Firsts in the world
Do you, like Rodri, think that the Premier is a ‘different league’ compared to the EA Sports League?
As a spectator, what I can tell you is that the Premier is a more open league. The six teams above have a chance to win the title and in Spain they have a chance, more than three. But the level of Spanish teams in Europe is an example of the level of Spain. Both top-level leagues with different styles.
You are already part of that group of Spanish coaches who succeeded in England (Guardiola, Arteta, Emery, Iraola…)
Pep and Arteta are the best in the world… They are Top level. I distance myself from this list because they are very proven coaches. I, they say, have just arrived and I have to work hard and maybe when the time comes I will have a chance to face them.
What coaches have marked your career?
My great reference is Cruyff. I grew up on the Dream Team and read that philosophy. I spent some time in Ajax to learn. The line of coaches that goes from Cruyff to Pep is what I like. Menotti, who we had just beaten, also marked me
Any technician you see with a projection?
In England, I see a bright future for Makeena (Ipswich Town). He did a great job. On the other hand, in Scandinavia there is a very good level and also in Spain. I highlight Ferran Costa (Andorra)
And what kind of players do you like?
As players I liked Laudrup when I was young. Del Piero, Redondo… The profile of technical players is what I always want in my team
Where do you see yourself in the future? Do you like LaLiga?
I am happy with the QPR project. I’m at a club with a lot of history that’s trying to keep building what it wants. The Championship is a competitive league and I am committed to enjoying the journey. I hope to have a long career, but I am a relatively young technician. Of course I want to try LaLiga one day, but for now I’m focused on it. I have been working non-stop since January 2023. In the near future I will take a good vacation and then prepare for the next season. i love my job
QUICK TEST
Define with one word…
1. Pep Guardiola: Very clever
2. Xavi Hernandez: Competitive
3. Michelle: Enthusiastic
4. Xabi Alonso: Prepared
5. From the origin: Worker
6. Luis Enrique: Personnel
7. Vinicius: Deadly
8. Haaland: Purpose
9. Mbappe: Cracked
10. Bellingham: Total football player
11. Laminate: Present and future
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
