Julien Stephan releases first statement after being appointed as new QPR manager, fans will be excited

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The new Queens Park Rangers head coach has sent a message to the supporters after replacing Marti Cifuentes.

After weeks of speculation, QPR have finally confirmed their head coach for the 2025/26 Championship campaign as Julien Stephan.

Stephan’s predecessor Marti Cifuentes was put on gardening leave by QPR after registering his interest in the West Brom job, only for it to emerge that Cifuentes wasn’t on West Brom’s shortlist of managers.

Cifuentes’ emotional message to QPR fans confirmed his exit officially, and after QPR targeted Stephan to replace him, the Frenchman has been officially unveiled as the club’s new manager.

Stephan will hope to end QPR’s 10-year top flight absence in his first season and following the confirmation of his appointment, he has spoken to the R’s supporters for the first time.

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Julien Stephan’s first words as new QPR manager

Cifuentes steadied the QPR ship since his arrival in the 2023/24 season, after replacing Gareth Ainsworth with the club 23rd in the Championship table after six straight defeats.

The Spaniard departs with a 35% win rate for QPR, overseeing 29 wins, 23 draws and 31 losses during his Loftus Road tenure.

QPR supporters have welcomed Stephan with open arms, and after the former Rennes boss was appointed, Stephan spoke to QPR’s website after being unveiled for the first time as the new Hoops head coach.

Stephan said: “I feel very proud and excited to join QPR.

“QPR is a historic club with strong values and passionate fans, so I feel honoured.

“I wanted to come here because I know there’s a lot of passion around the club and around the team, and I feel very lucky to discover that. 

“I like my team to play with intensity, energy and personality. I like courage and I want brave players.

“We are ready to give our best and to start this new chapter with determination and ambition.”

With anticipation brewing at Loftus Road, with the managerial uncertainty out of the way, there are many reasons for the R’s faithful to be positive ahead of next season.

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Julien Stephan appointment is one of many QPR positives this summer

Of all QPR incomings and outgoings this summer, there is one in particular that the Loftus Road faithful are most pleased with.

Hoops fans were delighted about Jimmy Dunne, who has penned a new deal at the club this summer, following Sheffield United’s attempt to sign him.

Additionally, the Hoops are one of three clubs to agree deals with Peterborough United for in-demand winger Kwame Poku, who would be a brilliant addition to Stephan’s squad.

With the exciting transfer business set to continue, Stephan’s managerial record compared to his predecessor Cifuentes’ also should fill the R’s faithful with optimism.

Although the Frenchman has never managed in English football, his combined career win rate is equal to Cifuentes’, which is impressive given that Stephan has had management spells in the French top flight with Strasbourg and Rennes.

Stephan’s second spell in charge at Rennes ended in November, with 19 wins from 41 games in charge.