It could be a crucial few months for striker Charlie Kelman’s future at Queens Park Rangers.
With the hiring of Marti Cifuentes as head coach, Queens Park Rangers have entered a new chapter in their history.
Moving from Hammarby, Cifuentes took over at Loftus Road, taking over for Gareth Ainsworth, who was fired following the team’s sixth straight loss, last Saturday, by leaders Leicester City, 2-1.
In the first game of Cifuentes’ tenure, the R’s losing streak came to a stop on Saturday when they drew 1-1 at the New York Stadium against fellow struggling team Rotherham United. Georgie Kelly equalized for the Millers after Ilias Chair’s incredible shot had given the visitors the lead.
QPR will be back in action on Saturday when they visit Bristol City. Currently sitting 23rd in the Championship league, they are six points from safety.
One player will be hoping for a change of fortunes under Cifuentes is striker Charlie Kelman, who has found his minutes limited so far this season.
How has Charlie Kelman performed for QPR this season?
Kelman spent last season on loan at Leyton Orient, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in 47 appearances in all competitions to help the O’s to the League Two title.
The 22-year-old remained at Loftus Road this summer, with Ainsworth opting against sending him out on loan again, but he has struggled to force his way into the team.
Kelman started the opening day game against Watford at Vicarage Road, but with the R’s 4-0 down, he was substituted at the break, and his game time has been restricted since then.
The striker has made just four appearances in total this campaign, and he was introduced as a late substitute against Rotherham in Cifuentes’ first game on Saturday.
Will Charlie Kelman be part of Marti Cifuentes’ plans at QPR?
With Kelman’s contract at Loftus Road expiring at the end of the season, he is facing a crucial few months that could define his future at the club.
It is a positive for Kelman that he featured against the Millers at the weekend, but substitute appearances may not be enough to earn him a new deal.
Some of the R’s main attacking threats from last season have found it tough in front of goal this campaign, with Lyndon Dykes and Ilias Chair both netting just one goal each so far, and Chris Willock is yet to get on the scoresheet.
The emergence of Sinclair Armstrong has been a huge positive in what has been a tough season, but the Irishman has also scored just once, and the Hoops are the second-lowest scorers in the Championship with just 11 goals to their name.
If Cifuentes wants to keep the R’s in the division this season, he will need to get his forwards clicking, but if they don’t find their groove, Kelman might get a chance.
Cifuentes will benefit from Kelman’s versatility because he can play as an advanced midfielder or as a center striker. Kelman might play a significant role for the Hoops.
If Cifuentes decides that Kelman is not a fit for his plans, he may contemplate going on another loan away from Loftus Road to give Kelman an opportunity to show the Spaniard what he’s made of and possibly position himself for a summer move.
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