Queens Park Rangers head coach Marti Cifuentes has emerged as a candidate for the vacant managerial position at Middlesbrough, according to EFL Analysis.
The Teessiders opted to part company with long-standing boss Michael Carrick following an end of season review. It was decided that a change at the top was needed after they failed to reach the play-offs for the second successive year.
Former Nottingham Forest and Leicester City manager Steve Cooper was immediately named as the front runner, but those rumours disappeared as quickly as they surfaced after the 45-year-old ruled himself out of the running. It was then claimed that Rob Edwards could be in line for a return to the dugout after leaving Luton Town in January.
Cifuentes Emerges As New Contender
It has now been reported that Marti Cifuentes is in the running, despite his ongoing problems at QPR. The Spaniard was placed on gardening leave by the Hoops in April after it was claimed that his representatives had spoken to West Bromwich Albion about their vacant post.
The 42-year-old arrived at Loftus Road in October 2023 and was tasked with the seemingly impossible job of keeping the club in the Championship. However, he achieved just that and followed that up this past season with a steady campaign which never really threatened relegation.
This has seen him attract admirers and after the WBA rumours, he found himself removed from the dugout. He still officially remains in charge at Rangers, although they are thought to be searching for his successor. It had previously been reported that they were interested in the recently departed Norwich City head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup, although the Dane is said to have turned down the role.
Cifuentes could now be in line for the job at Boro, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey telling EFL Analysis he is “someone they like and who could very well be a good fit for them.”
Writer’s View
Cifuentes performed wonders at Queens Park Rangers and would undoubtedly be a good appointment for Middlesbrough. However, the situation at his current employers remains unresolved and it is unclear as to whether he is allowed to discuss other job opportunities. It’s messy, especially with the Hoops reportedly actively seeking a replacement. It’s worth stating that as he still technically remains in work at Loftus Road, Boro would have to negotiate his exit or at least ask for permission to talk to the former Hammarby boss.
