Queens Park Rangers are closing in on the appointment of Julien Stéphan as their next head coach following productive talks with the 44-year-old Frenchman.
An agreement in principle is now believed to be in place, with the Championship club poised to confirm the deal in the coming days.
Martí Cifuentes Successor
Stéphan will succeed Martí Cifuentes, who was dismissed in April and placed on gardening leave following a disappointing campaign. Rangers have been assessing options since, but the former Rennes manager has emerged as their preferred candidate after a series of interviews.
Best known for his success in Ligue 1, Stéphan has twice managed his hometown club Rennes and made headlines in 2019 when he led them to their first major trophy in 48 years. That year’s French Cup triumph came after a dramatic 2–2 draw with Paris Saint-Germain and a 6–5 win on penalties, solidifying his reputation as one of France’s most promising young coaches.
His tenure at Rennes also saw the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time, finishing third in the curtailed 2019–20 season. European nights included a memorable win over Astana and a knockout-stage appearance in the Europa League, where they were narrowly beaten by Arsenal.
Accord total entre Julien Stéphan et Queens Park Rangers. Contrat de 2 ans pour l’ancien coach de Rennes et Strasbourg. #Mercato
— Marc Mechenoua (@LeMechenoua) June 11, 2025
After resigning in 2021, Stéphan moved to Strasbourg and oversaw a sixth-place Ligue 1 finish in his debut season—their best league finish since 1980. However, he was dismissed midway through the following campaign with the club languishing in the relegation zone.
Now, after a brief spell out of the game, he looks set to test himself in the Championship. His arrival at Loftus Road would signal a fresh approach for QPR, who avoided relegation last season but have endured a turbulent few years both on and off the pitch.
Stéphan comes from a footballing family. His father, Guy Stéphan, is Didier Deschamps’ assistant with the French national team, while his brother Guillaume also played professionally.
Writer’s View
If confirmed, Julien Stéphan’s appointment would be one of the most intriguing managerial moves in the Championship this summer. While English football presents a new challenge for the Frenchman, his pedigree is undeniable.
Success at Rennes and Strasbourg showed tactical maturity, the ability to galvanise underdog sides, and a track record of overachievement—qualities QPR sorely need. With time to rebuild and a squad in need of direction, this could prove a masterstroke from the board—provided they back him fully in the market.
