Marti Cifuentes sends emotional message to QPR fans after departure as ‘missed opportunity’ claim made

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Given the calibre of job Marti Cifuentes did at Loftus Road, and the way he departed, feelings will forever be mixed about the Spaniard among the R’s faithful.

After flirting with relegation within the 2024/25 Championship campaign, QPR managed to stay safe from the drop, despite the uncertainty in the dugout regarding head coach Marti Cifuentes.

Cifuentes was put on gardening leave by QPR after his ploy for the West Brom job, only for reports to confirm Cifuentes wasn’t on West Brom’s shortlist.

In place of Cifuentes, QPR have appointed Julien Stephan to spearhead the club’s 2025/26 season, after former Norwich City boss Johannes Hoff Thorup rejected QPR’s offer after holding talks with the R’s.

As the summer transfer window continues, with Stephan at the Loftus Road helm, his predecessor has penned an emotional farewell message addressed to the QPR faithful.

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Marti Cifuentes sends farewell message to QPR fans after exit confirmed

Cifuentes’ QPR future was in doubt for months, but after it was expected for several weeks, the Spaniard officially departed QPR following the gardening leave period, by mutual consent.

Given the calibre of job he did at QPR in helping the club dodge League One relegation in his first season in charge, one Championship expert tipped Cifuentes for a move to a play-off hopeful side this summer, with Middlesbrough the potential suitors.

It transpired that Cifuentes was discussed at Boro during their search for Michael Carrick’s replacement, before Boro appointed Rob Edwards, which now leaves the Spaniard in search of his next club.

Now, the departed R’s boss has penned an emotional farewell message to the Loftus Road faithful.

Cifuentes said on X: “Today I say goodbye to Queens Park Rangers with a heart full of gratitude.

“I arrived at Loftus Road at a difficult time, with a huge challenge ahead, and yet from day one I felt the fans’ passion, unconditional support, and, above all, love for this very special club.

“Thankyou for your energy every matchday. Your voice and your faith have always been a source of inspiration.

“I am proud to have been part of this club and to have contributed, alongside a fantastic team of players and coaching staff, to ensuring the club’s continued presence in the Championship over the last few seasons.

“Although my journey now continues in a different direction, I wish the club’s dedicated board, all the staff and players across every age group for best for the future. You R’s!!”

Cifuentes’ successor Stephan must end QPR’s 10-year absence away from the top flight in his first campaign in charge, and the pressure is palpable for his maiden campaign in light of the Spaniard’s exit.

However, one QPR expert believes the departure of Cifuentes could be a “missed opportunity” for the R’s.

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Marti Cifuentes’ QPR exit could be a ‘missed opportunity’

Gareth Ainsworth was sacked by QPR in October 2023, leaving the club 23rd in the Championship table after six straight defeats.

Following his arrival from Hammarby, Cifuentes spearheaded the R’s to safety in his debut season in English football, and stabilised the club to a mid-table finish this season, playing an exciting and pragmatic blend of football.

With Cifuentes being a highly-coveted head coach, QPR supporter and Ripple Effect football podcast host James Allcott said on X: “I rate him so highly so this feels like a missed opportunity to build with Marti. But it’s done now. We move”.

Cifuentes and Stephan share similar managerial records, but crucially, the Frenchman has never managed in English football before his R’s appointment, whereas the Spaniard has proven himself to be a more than capable manager at second tier level.

QPR have shown they mean business so far in the transfer window, with the new contract for Jimmy Dunne being the “best decision” of the summer, fending off Sheffield United’s attempted signing of the defender.

Also, QPR are one of three clubs to agree deals with Peterborough United for right-wing starlet Kwame Poku, who would be a true statement signing after his standout League One campaign.

Cifuentes will forever be remembered by the Loftus Road faithful for his heroics in keeping them up, but also the dubious circumstances surrounding his departure.

There may always be a tinge of “what if?” in the minds of some supporters, and it is now down to newly-appointed R’s boss Stephan to silence that notion.