The R’s supporters will always have conflicting opinions on Marti Cifuentes because of the quality of his work at Loftus Road and his departure.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding head coach Marti Cifuentes in the dugout, QPR avoided relegation after teasing it during the 2024–25 Championship campaign.
Following his bid for the West Brom position, Cifuentes was placed on gardening leave by QPR; however, sources later revealed that Cifuentes was not on West Brom’s shortlist.
After consulting with the R’s, former Norwich City manager Johannes Hoff Thorup turned down QPR’s offer, and Julien Stephan was brought in to lead the team in 2025–2026 in lieu of Cifuentes.
With Stephan leading Loftus Road throughout the summer transfer window, his predecessor wrote a heartfelt parting letter to the QPR supporters.
Following confirmation of her departure, Marti Cifuentes offers a final message to QPR supporters.
For months, Cifuentes’ future at QPR was uncertain, but after weeks of anticipation, the Spaniard formally left the team by mutual consent after the gardening leave period.
One Championship expert predicted that Cifuentes will join a play-off-hopeful team this summer, with Middlesbrough as a possible suitor, taking into account the excellent work he performed at QPR in helping the team avoid League One relegation in his first season as manager.
The Spaniard is currently looking for a new club after it was out that Cifuentes was mentioned at Boro during their hunt for Michael Carrick’s replacement before Rob Edwards was hired.
Now, the late R’s boss has sent a heartfelt farewell letter to the fans of Loftus Road.
“I say goodbye to Queens Park Rangers today with a heart full of gratitude,” Cifuentes said on X.
“Even though I had a big job ahead of me when I came to Loftus Road, I could sense the supporters’ love, passion, and unwavering support for this unique club right away.
“I appreciate your enthusiasm on every matchday. You have always inspired me with your voice and your beliefs.
“I am honoured to have been a member of this squad and to have helped ensure the club’s sustained Championship presence over the past several seasons, working alongside an incredible group of players and coaching staff.
“Even if my path has changed, I wish the club’s committed board, all of the employees, and players of all ages the best of luck in the future. You R’s!
With the Spaniard’s departure, there is a lot of pressure on Stephan, Cifuentes’ replacement, to end QPR’s ten-year hiatus from the top division in his first season as manager.
But according to one QPR analyst, Cifuentes’ exit may represent a “missed opportunity” for the R’s.
The departure of Marti Cifuentes from QPR may be a “missed opportunity.”
After six consecutive losses, QPR dropped to 23rd place in the Championship league and fired Gareth Ainsworth in October 2023.
Playing a combination of thrilling and practical football, Cifuentes led the R’s to victory in his first season in English football after joining from Hammarby. This season, he helped the team finish in the middle of the table.
James Allcott, host of the Ripple Effect football podcast and a supporter of QPR, stated on X that Cifuentes is a highly sought-after head coach, saying, “I rate him so highly so this feels like a missed opportunity to build with Marti.” But it’s finished now. We relocate.
Although Cifuentes and Stephan have comparable management histories, it is important to note that the Spaniard has demonstrated that he is a more than adequate manager at the second division level, while the Frenchman had no managerial experience in English football prior to his employment with the R’s.
With Jimmy Dunne’s new deal being the “best decision” of the summer and thwarting Sheffield United’s effort to capture the defender, QPR has demonstrated their seriousness thus far in the transfer window.
In addition, QPR is one of three teams who have reached agreements with Peterborough United for Kwame Poku, a right-wing sensation who would make a huge impression following his stellar League One season.
The supporters of Loftus Road will always remember Cifuentes for his valiant efforts to keep them going, as well as the questionable circumstances surrounding his resignation.
Some fans may always have a “what if?” question in the back of their minds, and it is now up to Stephan, the just hired R’s supervisor, to put an end to that thought.
Read more at;https://www.sportupdates.co.uk
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