Mark Hughes admits managing QPR has been his "most difficult" job yet but believes they can end the season with survival after coming back from the brink.
The west Londoners travel to title-chasing Manchester City on Sunday with just two points separating them and Bolton in the final relegation berth. Owen Coyle's side travel to Stoke looking to retain their top-flight status, while the Hoops face the unenviable task of taking something off a City side on the cusp of a first league title since 1968.
Hughes said: "It has not been easy. I came in halfway through a very difficult season and it has not been easy. Arguably it has been the most difficult job I've had to date, but we've turned things around.
Hughes believes Sunday is going to be a "hell of a day" and rejected the notion he would take any satisfaction from stifling the club he was unceremoniously dismissed from two and a half years ago.
"If we get a result I will be more pleased for everybody connected with Queens Park Rangers," the former City boss said. "I wouldn't take any satisfaction from [thwarting City's title quest]. It would only be delight for my team and my players because it would be a huge achievement to be able to do that."
He added: "From our point of view, we just want to make sure we're in the Premier League. It's the hardest league in world football but it is the best and that is what we want to be part of."
The fact QPR head into the match in control of their own destiny is remarkable given the position they almost found themselves in last weekend. The Hoops took until the 89th minute to find a winner against Stoke, which was followed almost immediately by West Brom cancelling a two-goal deficit to snatch a draw at Bolton.
The change in fortunes was met by euphoric scenes in W12 and Hughes believes it could prove a catalyst to success at the Etihad Stadium.
Asked if QPR would have been all but down had things stayed as they were minutes earlier, Hughes said: "Well, yeah, you would have to say so if we are honest.
"We would still have given it our best shot [at City] but I just think the momentum and belief we got from that latter stages of that game will help us."
Source: PA
