Marti Cifuentes, QPR’s head coach, has been linked with the job at West Brom following a difficult season at Loftus Road.

QPR fans are panicking right now. Marti Cifuentes, head coach of the R’s, has been linked with leaving the club following their 5-0 loss to Burnley in their final home fixture of the Championship season.

It’s the frustrating conclusion to a frustrating campaign. The London club had a slow start to the season, winning only one of their first 16 league games, but suddenly appeared capable of competing for the play-offs after a strong run of form over the winter. That rise to the top of the table was cut short by a seven-game losing streak in March, leaving Cifuentes’ side fighting for survival.

QPR have since confirmed their Championship survival, and with the drama over, speculation about Cifuentes’ future has begun to circulate. According to The Sun, the Catalan coach may leave the club due to a ‘breakdown’ in his relationship with CEO Christian Nourry. The manager’s representatives are now in talks with West Brom, who are currently without a manager.

Cifuentes has plenty of reasons to be tempted by West Brom. For most of the season, the Baggies were promotion contenders, and compatriot Carlos Corberan performed admirably for the club. However, Marti must be aware that he is working on something at Loftus Road that merits at least another campaign.

The good news: Marti Cifuentes pledges commitment to QPR.

Despite an underwhelming season, Cifuentes remains popular in west London. The head coach is a class act who can be relied on in difficult situations. For the time being, the fact that he has committed to the club is a positive.

Following the defeat to Burnley, Cifuentes assured the club that ‘as long as I’m wanted, I’m very happy. He also stated that he was ‘enjoying’ life at QPR and wished to honour his contract.

 

Cifuentes’ most notable accomplishment during his tenure has been his work with young players. Keiran Moran, Rayan Kolli, and Alfie Lloyd are just starting out in their professional careers. Meanwhile, Emerson Sutton turned down Premier League offers to join QPR this year.

There is no doubt about those players’ immense potential, and Cifuentes is aware of it. sportupdates.co.ukFollowing the defeat to Swansea City, he stated: “It’s about finding the right time to allow the young players to show up, grow, and learn the big step from the Development Squad to professional.” It is about laying the groundwork to succeed in the future.

“We’ve seen significant progress from Kieran Morgan and Rayan Kolli. Alfie Lloyd is another example; there are a lot of young players who, in my opinion, will be one of the best things about the season – that we now have a foundation at the club to support young players. The club is much better positioned for the future.”

Cifuentes will undoubtedly find it difficult to abandon future stars who are excelling under his leadership. Another reason the 42-year-old intends to stay at Loftus Road is the influx of new players this summer.

Charlie Kelman, League One’s top scorer, will return from his loan at Leyton Orient. Jaylan Pearman, a highly-rated player, has already agreed to join from Perth Glory. Harvey Vale, a January signing from Chelsea, has yet to play due to injury, while Esquerdinha, also a winter arrival, is impressing in the Development Squad.

The Bad News: West Brom could provide an escape from injury farce.

So why would Cifuentes want to leave? According to The Sun, a breakdown in relationship with Nourry could be to blame, and Cifuentes has hinted at cryptic talks with the CEO this month.

After the Swansea City match, he stated: “I need to sit with Christian and we need to decide what the plan is, what he wants, and what the idea is. I’ve been very focused on achieving the goal, and I obviously have some thoughts and ideas about how we can improve.

Nourry needs to make it clear that Cifuentes is valued at Loftus Road. Finally, if that relationship does not improve, Cifuentes’ move to West Brom is best for all parties: Nourry can replace the manager without the drama of a sacking, and Cifuentes can move on from a potentially toxic situation.

He must also reassure the head coach that something will be done to avoid the injury circus that has hampered the squad’s progress this season.

That has been a constant source of frustration for Cifuentes, and it is most likely a major motivator for being tempted by rivals. The QPR manager has always maintained a cool head in the face of adversity, but when discussing the injury saga this season, he has frequently appeared perplexed.

When asked last week if the injuries were bad luck, he said: “In general, I don’t believe in luck or bad luck. There’s nothing you can do about Sam Field’s tackle; it’s part of the game. All of the contact injuries, if you will, are bad luck. This happens.

“We may have to review other areas, and I believe we will do so internally. This is the first time in my career that I’ve had an experience like this.”

 

You can’t blame Marti Cifuentes for wanting to leave QPR, but the good work he has done may outweigh the negative.

In other news, if rumours are to be believed, QPR will beat Blackburn Rovers to the transfer of an ex-Chelsea player and place him in the starting lineup next season.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk