QPR have acted swiftly to fill their managerial vacancy by appointing Julien Stephan, a respected figure in French football known for guiding Rennes to their first major trophy in nearly five decades.
The new head coach arrives at Loftus Road after two spells at Rennes and an 18-month stint with Strasbourg; he will be tasked with improving QPR’s fortunes after a 15th-place finish in the 2024/25 Championship season. His most notable achievement remains winning the Coupe de France in 2019, a historic moment that ended a 48-year wait for Rennes.
The move marks Stephan’s first foray into English football, and he spoke of his excitement at joining QPR:
“QPR is a historic club with strong values and passionate fans, so I feel honoured. There is something unique about English football – the intensity, the atmosphere, the passion of the fans, the tempo of the game, the culture around the club – all make it a very stimulating environment for a coach.”
His arrival signals a fresh start as the club looks to push higher up the table under the guidance of new CEO Christian Nourry, who thanked outgoing boss Cifuentes for his contribution over the past two seasons.
Cifuentes Leaves With Respect and Gratitude
Marti Cifuentes’ departure comes after a turbulent but ultimately successful spell in West London. The Spaniard joined in 2023 and helped QPR avoid relegation in successive seasons despite inheriting an injury-hit and underperforming squad.
His final message to supporters, shared on social media, reflected his pride at having led the club through a difficult period:
“I am proud to have been a part of this club and to have contributed… to ensuring the club’s continued presence in the Championship over the last few seasons. We had some amazing nights under the lights of Loftus Road – remembering Stan Bowles being one that sticks with me.”
Club chief Nourry echoed those sentiments, stating:
“He did a fantastic job to help us remain in the division when he first came in under difficult circumstances, and he worked hard to repeat that again in 2024–25.”
Cifuentes had been linked with jobs elsewhere before his formal exit was confirmed, and his next move is likely to attract interest given his work at QPR and his rising reputation in coaching circles.
Writer’s View
Julien Stephan’s appointment is a bold and intriguing move by QPR. The club could have opted for a domestic name but instead chose a coach with European pedigree and a clear tactical identity. While Championship football is a different beast to Ligue 1, Stephan’s experience of managing high-pressure situations and young talent could be an asset.
Marti Cifuentes deserves credit for steadying the ship, and though his departure felt inevitable after weeks of speculation, he leaves with his reputation enhanced. For QPR, this is a statement of ambition – a calculated risk that could ignite a new era at Loftus Road.
