Marti Cifuentes gives verdict on 'unusual situation' at Birmingham City ahead of QPR clash

QPR head coach Mati Cifuentes has labelled Friday's meeting with Birmingham City at Loftus Road as 'one of the biggest games since I arrived' ahead of the six-pointer.

Just one point and one place separate the Rs in 20th and the visitors in 21st. A win for QPR would open up a hugely welcome gap between the club and the relegation zone as the side continue to rally under Cifuentes this term.

Birmingham City are another club looking over their shoulder at the drop zone with just one point to their name since Tony Mowbray had to step away from his post in February due to health concerns. The Midlands side had found form under the former Sunderland boss but have now turned to Gary Rowett on a temporary basis in a bid to end their freefall.

While Birmingham City's recent run of form plays into QPR's favour, Cifuentes is aware that a new manager with new tactics will add complication to preparations. He said: "It's a bit of an unusual situation. He's the fourth manager for them this season. Hopefully Tony can recover well and soon.

"Gary has huge experience in the Championship and has managed different clubs. We need to be aware and ready for changes in formation and approach.

"For me, the most important is about us. It's a game that we need to start front foot and have a really clear mindset about achieving the three points and using the home energy from supporters."

QPR were 23rd in the table when Cifuentes was appointed in October and the Catalan has won over Loftus Road with his calm approach to lifting the club out of the relegation zone.

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Reflecting on his time so far, and the remaining matches this term, Cifuentes said: "I'm glad that we are putting ourselves in this situation. Now it's up to us. It's more difficult when you depend on other results. The team has been doing enough things the right way to deserve being where we are.

"The reality is we are now in the last spring of the season and the next six weeks will define the club. We are very aware of how big the challenge is but it shows the progress of the team."