QPR boss Cifuentes reveals secret behind penalty shootout success in Luton EFL Cup win

Practicing on the field before the game helped QPR beat Luton Town in penalties during the second round of the EFL Cup, as explained by Rangers manager Marti Cifuentes.

Rangers successfully converted all four of their penalty kicks after a 1-1 tie at Loftus Road. Goalkeeper Joe Walsh made a crucial save from Cauley Woodrow's shot, while Tahith Chong missed the target and hit the crossbar with his attempt for the opposing team.

Cifuentes believes that consistently practicing penalty kicks during training played a role in their success.

"We receive many penalties because we engage in internal competition among the players," stated the coach.

When there is a tie in a small-sided game, we always settle it with penalty kicks.

"The intensity level is different on the practice field compared to here, but those were impressive shots and Walshy made a great stop."

Xavi, the composed assistant head coach, stood by my side during the final moments of the game. He observed the situation and was getting ready to make a list of penalty takers.

I have experienced many things in the past. Sadly, my outcomes have been inconsistent. Despite meticulously preparing for a cup final in Sweden and focusing on all the little details, we still ended up losing.

We didn't delve into it that thoroughly, but we did inquire about the players' confidence levels and they performed exceptionally well.

Backup goalkeeper Walsh turned out to be a standout player of the evening, making a crucial save on Luton's initial penalty kick from ex-Fulham forward Woodrow and putting his team in a favorable position.

The young player, who is 22 years old, had already made excellent saves during the game against Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo. Cifuentes was happy to see the player improving.

"I'm really pleased for him," he mentioned. "When I joined QPR last season, he had the guidance of two experienced goalkeepers, Asmir Begovic and Jordan Archer."

"They supported his growth immensely. He made significant progress, which is why we decided to extend his contract. I am thrilled that he remains with us."

"When I watch his plays starting from the pre-season onwards, he has been demonstrating a great level of composure and presence, which was already evident in his performance last season at Coventry during the final game."

"I believe he is an excellent goalkeeper and it is great to have him and Paul [Nardi] guarding the goal."