Former Norwich City boss Johannes Hoff Thorup has rejected the chance to take on the managerial role at Queens Park Rangers, according to Danish media outlet Tipsbladet.
The situation at Loftus Road remains a confusing one. Current head coach Marti Cifuentes was put on gardening leave in April after reportedly holding talks with West Bromwich Albion over their vacant position.
It’s unlikely that the Spaniard will return to the helm, with the Hoops on the lookout for his successor. It was claimed last month that Thorup was ‘close’ to landing the role, just a matter of weeks after he was dismissed at Carrow Road.
The 36-year-old only joined the Canaries last summer, penning a three-year deal. Although he was clearly appointed as part of a long-term plan, he was shown the exit door in April having failed to launch a meaningful top six challenge.
Thorup Turns Down QPR Offer
News emerged last month that Thorup was closing in on a quick return to the dugout with QPR. It was said that he had held a number of talks with the Londoners in the capital and was expected to be named as Cifuentes’ replacement as soon as his exit from the club was confirmed.
Fresh reports from Denmark state that the former FC Nordsjælland boss has now rejected the opportunity following ‘a back and forth in negotiations’.
With Rangers now forced to return to the drawing board, Red Bull Salzburg assistant manager Onur Cinel is the new favourite to land the role.
Writer’s View
QPR fans are understandably growing more and more frustrated by the situation at the club. The transfer window is now open and with other clubs already starting to make plans for next season, the Hoops are in a position where they have one head coach on gardening leave whilst they are no closer to naming a successor. Thorup would have arguably been a gamble following his underwhelming stint at Norwich though. However, he was perhaps not given ample time to mould the squad adequately to his needs and his dismissal was viewed by some as unfair. It will be interesting to see if any other Championship clubs show an interest in the coming weeks and months.
