QPR boss: We’re experiencing the harsh reality of the Championship.

Marti Cifuentes believes his QPR team is facing the harsh realities of the Championship after suffering their fourth consecutive defeat against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

Tommy Conway and former Charlton defender Anfernee Dijksteel gave the hosts a 2-0 lead after 58 minutes at The Riverside, writes Edmund Brack.

Centre-back Steve Cook equalized for the west Londoners in the 80th minute.

With nine games left, the Rangers are nine points clear of the drop zone and 12 points away from the playoffs.

“We’re frustrated because of the outcome,” Cifuentes stated.

“We’re outraged. We faced a good team. They are fantastic at breaking lines and sprinting, but the game had terrific stretches and moments for both teams.

“I’m dissatisfied with how we surrendered, particularly the second goal. It’s generally a game of taking chances; we didn’t, while they did.

“This is a really honest community. We continued pressing, and the truth is that this bunch never gave up.

“We’re all upset with the outcome, but I can’t be unhappy with this squad since they’re trying everything. It is quite tough for them to overcome the difficulties they are facing.

“We’ve been in this scenario before, and we understand how to shift the dynamic.

“I think it’s a little cruel that we’ve lost four games in a row, but that’s the reality of the league.

“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. To get points, we must better such competitive conditions.

“We need to make sure that we pick up again, that we pull ourselves together and that we make sure that we are prepared.”

Rangers face automatic promotion contenders Leeds United at Loftus Road tomorrow.

“We need to keep pushing because there are still nine games to go,” Cifuentes told the crowd.

“We have not achieved the first target, the main target (reaching 56 points), and we need to produce one of these good afternoons at Loftus Road.”

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