Queens Park Rangers (QPR) have officially announced the appointment of Julien Stephan as their new head coach. The 44-year-old Frenchman steps into the role following the departure of Marti Cifuentes, who was placed on gardening leave in April and officially left the club on Tuesday night.

A Proven Track Record

Stephan brings a wealth of experience to QPR, having managed top-tier French clubs Rennes and Strasbourg. His tenure at Rennes was particularly notable, as he led the team to victory in the 2019 French Cup, their first major trophy in 48 years. Despite a challenging stint at Strasbourg, where he was sacked in 2023, Stephan returned to Rennes but left last November after a series of poor results.

A New Chapter in English Football

"I feel very proud and excited to join QPR," Stephan expressed to the club. "QPR is a historic club with strong values and passionate fans, so I feel honored." He emphasized the unique aspects of English football, including the intensity, atmosphere, and passion of the fans, which he finds particularly stimulating for a coach.

Building on a Strong Foundation

QPR finished 15th in the Championship table for the 2024-25 season, seven points clear of the relegation zone. Stephan is optimistic about the potential within the squad. "I see a group with talent, commitment, and potential. There's work to do, but we have a great foundation to develop," he stated.

High Expectations

Stephan is known for his high standards and commitment to discipline and team spirit. "I expect my players to give everything on the pitch for the team, for the fans, and to show the right attitude," he said. "The shirt deserves total respect, and it's non-negotiable for me."

Looking Ahead

Stephan will get a clearer picture of his upcoming challenges when the fixtures for the new season are released. With his proven track record and fresh perspective, QPR fans have every reason to be optimistic about the future under his leadership.