QPR are reported to be nearing a management announcement following weeks of searching.
QPR are thought to have achieved an agreement on a managerial appointment following weeks of seeking. Marti Cifuentes was placed on gardening leave after the season following his courting with West Brom, although he was never offered a position at The Hawthorns.
The West London club hoped not to have to start over ahead of next season, but their decision to drop Cifuentes means they now have few options. In recent weeks, former Rennes boss Julien Stephan has been the most likely possibility, and it’s now being stated that an agreement has been reached with the Frenchman.
The West London club hoped not to have to start over ahead of next season, but their decision to drop Cifuentes means they now have few options. In recent weeks, former Rennes boss Julien Stephan has been the most likely possibility, and it’s now being stated that an agreement has been reached with the Frenchman.
Stephan now appears to be set to take over at Loftus Road for his first experience working in England, but pundit Don Goodman believes the appointment has taken too long. He told Football League World: “I believe any club that is still without a manager at this point in the process is leaving it too late. What will players be back in? Three weeks for the preseason? So now is the time to plan, rubber-stamp, and finalise. So it’s unfortunate that QPR haven’t been able to resolve this issue.”
Stephan’s Style
Stephan is noted for his possession-based style, citing Pep Guardiola as an influence, and he is also a self-proclaimed follower of Mauricio Sarri. Stephan’s favoured formation at Rennes was 4-1-4-1 with a top-tier holding midfielder, but he has also played in 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2. Stephan will likely prioritise a holding midfielder.
The good news for QPR fans is that Stephan is a realist, which is essential in the Championship. The Frenchman once stated, “It is not possible to play Guardiola everywhere.” Stephan prefers a short passing style for his teams, even if they are cautious by nature. QPR fans can expect a patient approach, rather than a gung-ho search of goals. Stephan clearly analyses the risks of aggressive play in each game and tailors his strategy to the opponent.
However, when he believes his team is ahead, he prefers them to push aggressively, and he famously attributed the Coupe de France final victory to ‘pressing on’ and taking momentum against PSG.
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