Ilias Chair assisted both goals in a 2-0 win at Deepdale on Friday night
The Moroccan sat on the bench for the first time this season, after starting the previous 17 league games.
On Friday evening, QPR were away to promotion-chasing Preston, with the score at 0-0 at halftime.
Chair came on for the second half in place of an injured Jack Colback, and his presence changed the course of the game.
The 26-year-old assisted both goals as Cifuentes’ team gained all three points at Deepdale to close the gap on Huddersfield Town ahead of the Terriers’ match against Swansea City on Saturday.
What has Martí Cifuentes said about the Ilias Chair?
Cifuentes revealed that Chair was frustrated to be left out of the game from the start on Friday, which he believes is a positive sign.
The Spaniard wants his players to be angry when on the bench, as it shows how much they care about being involved in the team, praising Chair for the impact he had in the second half.
“He wasn’t happy he hadn’t started the game, of course, but that’s what I want,” said Cifuentes, via West London Sport.
“I want players here who are disappointed to be on the bench.
“He has really strong attributes and was terrific.
“I felt confident at halftime that he would contribute.
“It’s great to be winning.
“They’re small steps at this stage of the season, but I can see real progress.”
Cifuentes has earned eight points from a possible 15 in his first five games in charge at Loftus Road.
Rangers are aiming to fight their way out of the relegation zone under the new manager, who replaced Gareth Ainsworth at the end of October.
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