What Marti Cifuentes has said to QPR supporters as Loftus Road exit finally confirmed – It’s heartwarming | OneFootball

Marti Cifuentes has sent a message to Queens Park Rangers supporters after his exit was officially confirmed by the club.

Having been placed on gardening leave by Queens Park Rangers with a game of the 2024/25 Championship season still to go, Marti Cifuentes has now finally spoken directly to R’s supporters following his exit being confirmed by the club.

The Spaniard had been rumoured to have become disgruntled with the operations of the club, and was eventually taken away from first-team duties at Loftus Road before the end of the season, after it had been reported that he had held talks with West Brom.

Cifuentes took charge of the Hoops in the autumn of 2023, and he guided them to survival that season after a dreadful start to the campaign under the management of Gareth Ainsworth.

It was an abrupt and unusual end to his reign from the Hammarby boss, having been in charge of 83 games in West London, and he has now sent a message to the fans with his departure officially confirmed by the club this evening.

Cifuentes sends a heartfelt message to QPR fans

“A message from Marti” was posted by QPR, with Cifuentes wanting to recognise everyone at the club from the board, players and staff to the supporters.

He addressed the fans first of all: “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, thank you for your energy every matchday. Your voice and your faith have always been a source of inspiration.”

The 42-year-old then went on to discuss the time he had at the club, and specifically referenced the night on which the club paid tribute to the late Stan Bowles before a 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion under the lights at Loftus Road: “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.

“It wasn’t always easy, but we did it the way great things are achieved: with hard work, honesty, and togetherness. We saw the development of many young players and we had some amazing nights under the lights of Loftus Road – remembering Stan Bowles being one that sticks with me.”

He then went on to round off his message by offering his wishes for the future to the whole club: “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 the best for the future. You R’s!!”

The future for Cifuentes and QPR

Over a month and a half since he was placed on gardening leave, QPR now finally appear ready to settle their future, with Julian Stephan set to be appointed to be the man to replace Cifuentes.

Stephan was most recently in charge of Stade Rennais from November 2023 to November 2024, in what was his second stint in charge, having also coached their U19 and B team, as well as Strasbourg.

As for Cifuentes, he has seemingly missed out on finding a new club in the meantime, despite a wider general expectation that he was sought after by many Championship clubs.

There is the possibility that Cifuentes continues his coaching career in England, but there are currently no vacancies in the second-tier, with Norwich, West Brom, Watford, Hull City, Southampton, Bristol City, Middlesbrough and Sheffield United all already appointing new bosses since the end of last season.