QPR and Leicester City players react as Marti Cifuentes seals 'special' moment in USA | OneFootball

QPR and Leicester City stars have reacted to Martí Cifuentes getting his reign as Portland Timbers manager off to a winning start

QPR’s Jake Clarke-Salter and Jimmy Dunne have reacted to Martí Cifuentes’ message after his first win at home for Portland Timbers.

Former Leicester City forward Abdul Fatawu has also reacted to the Spaniard getting off to winning ways with his new club in MLS.

The 44-year-old was appointed as their new head coach in July, but had to wait a few weeks before being able to take to the dugout for his first game in charge.

His side went 1-0 down to Tijuana, but recovered to a 3-1 victory in the Leagues Cup in what was ultimately a meaningless game due to their prior elimination from the tournament.

But Cifuentes’ side still got off to a winning start in what is his first role since departing the King Power Stadium earlier this year.

He will be hoping to improve Portland’s standing in MLS, with the club currently 10th in the Western Conference table, 11 adrift of leaders Houston Dynamo.

Martí Cifuentes’ message after Portland Timbers win

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Cifuentes marked the occasion of a first win at home with his new team with a message to the supporters, where he claimed it was a special night.

He expressed his pride at the performance, and that he is hoping there is plenty more to come from his time in charge of the squad.

“A special first night at Providence Park,” wrote Cifuentes, via Instagram.

“Proud of the players and the way they have responded to everything we’ve asked of them in such a short time.

“Last night we played with energy, intensity and a real desire to win.

“There is so much more to come from this group.

“And now I understand even more what makes this place so special.

“Thank you for the support.“

Clarke-Salter, Dunne and Fatawu were among a group of Cifuentes’ former players to have liked this message.

The Spaniard led QPR away from a relegation battle in his first half-season at Loftus Road, with the team finishing 18th.

The London outfit rose to 15th in the following campaign, before he departed with just a couple of games to spare.

This led the 44-year-old to Leicester in the summer of 2025 following their relegation from the Premier League.

However, a difficult spell of form led to his dismissal in January, with the Foxes ultimately falling to 23rd by the end of the campaign under Gary Rowett.

QPR and Leicester’s opening day results

QPR went behind to Terry Devlin’s 15th minute strike in their opening day fixture against Portsmouth, but came from behind to seal a 3-1 victory.

Goals from Ilias Chair and Koki Saito sealed all three points for the visitors, who got off to a winning start to the new Championship season.

Meanwhile, Leicester took the lead away to Notts County in their first League One clash since 2009 courtesy of Jayden Joseph.

However, Conor Grant’s 81st minute strike secured a point for the Magpies.

Martí Cifuentes embarks on a new journey in the US

Cifuentes made a strong impression during his time in English football, particularly how he led QPR away from relegation trouble in 2023/24.

The Spaniard earned a lot of plaudits because the Hoops looked certain to suffer the drop prior to his arrival, and he brought them to 18th in the table.

While his time at Loftus Road ended with a real whimper, there were a lot of expectations with his move to Leicester.