Why Julien Stephan has decided to join QPR - He's confirmed some very clear reasons | OneFootball

The 44-year-old has replaced Marti Cifuentes in the dugout at Loftus Road ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Queens Park Rangers have appointed Julien Stephan as head coach to replace Marti Cifuentes ahead of next season.

The Frenchman has two spells in charge of Stade Rennais and a stint at Strasbourg on his coaching CV, and has now made the step into English football by taking the reins at QPR.

Stephan has been brought in to replace his popular predecessor, Marti Cifuentes, who guided the Rs clear of relegation from the Championship during the 2023/24 campaign, before registering a 15th-place finish last season after a difficult start.

The appointment of a head coach who has previously finished third in Ligue 1, lifted the Coupe de France and coached in the UEFA Champions League with Stade Rennais could be seen as an ambitious move by QPR, and when you consider that they are also being strongly linked with a move for highly sought after winger Kwame Poku, it is an exciting time for the club.

QPR's new boss has made it clear that he is excited to have completed his move to W12, highlighting a few reasons why he believes that Loftus Road is the right place to further his managerial career.

Stephan shares reasons for QPR move

Stephan explained the reasons behind his decision to become QPR's new head coach in an interview via the official club website.

"I feel very proud and excited to join QPR," he said.

"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.

"There is something unique about English football. The intensity, the atmosphere, the passion of the fans also, the tempo of the game, the culture around the club all make it a very stimulating environment for a coach."

The 44-year-old is clearly knowledgeable about the English game, and it also seems as though his style of football could be well suited to the frantic nature of the Championship.

"I like my team to play with intensity, energy and personality," Stephan explained.

"I believe in collective organisation and also clear identity - but also in giving players freedom to express themselves. I like courage and I want brave players – they are the players who take initiative because I think to have emotion in football, we have to take risks.

"The main values are commitment, 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.

"The shirt deserves respect, total respect, and it's non-negotiable for me."

Stephan will want to get the supporters behind him

Stephan touched on the importance of the supporters at Loftus Road during his interview, as he spoke about the passion they bring and the atmosphere they can create.

It is not always easy to replace a head coach who was well-liked by the supporters, but it will be crucial for Stephan to get the supporters on side to ensure that his team can benefit from having a packed Loftus Road right behind them during every home game.

His first interview and his previous achievements should give QPR fans optimism, as the 2025/26 campaign promises to be an intriguing one in W12.