“It comes as a surprise,” remarked Richard Dunne in response to the significant decision made by Queens Park Rangers (QPR). Dunne, a former center-back for the team, expressed his astonishment at the choice of Marti Cifuentes as their manager last month.
At the time of Cifuentes’ appointment, QPR was facing challenges, having struggled under the management of Gareth Ainsworth during the 2022/23 campaign. Despite Ainsworth’s departure, there were differing opinions on whether the decline was solely his responsibility. The subsequent interim coach, Neil Critchley, also faced difficulties, and with just two wins in 14 league games, he was dismissed after a 2-1 home loss to league leaders Leicester City.
Following Critchley’s departure, uncertainty surrounded QPR’s next move. Since the exit of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in 2016, the team had been under the guidance of English managers, including Ian Holloway, Steve McClaren, Mark Warburton, Mick Beale, Critchley, and Ainsworth. Warburton and Beale were considered the more successful among them, with Warburton almost securing a playoff spot at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
Despite some speculation about Beale’s return, Cifuentes was swiftly appointed after Ainsworth’s exit.
Dunne, sharing his thoughts on Cifuentes’ appointment, admitted his lack of knowledge about the new manager. He expressed surprise, especially considering the challenging position QPR found themselves in, emphasizing the importance of understanding the Championship and the competitive landscape. Dunne suggested that, in such a tough situation, the focus should be on mentality rather than intricate tactical changes, urging the team to prioritize winning games.
When asked about the ideal appointment for QPR, Dunne identified Neil Warnock as a strong candidate. Warnock’s track record of delivering results, as demonstrated at Huddersfield Town, aligns with Dunne’s criteria.
Warnock’s previous managerial experience at Loftus Road further added to his suitability, making him a potentially impactful appointment in terms of securing survival.
While Dunne acknowledged Cifuentes shouldn’t be dismissed outright, he emphasized that success in the challenging English Championship would require a quick adjustment and a focus on winning games rather than intricate tactical adjustments.
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