Sage is the only name among the frontrunners who has no connection to English football. Other leading candidates include Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason and former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil.

 

Although Cifuentes has not officially left Loftus Road, his position appears to have become untenable due to a reported fallout with chief executive Chrisitan Nourry. The Catalan coach has been linked to the West Brom vacancy.

Pierre Sage wants to manage in the Championship, amid QPR links.

Sage was fired by Lyon at the end of January after serving as interim head coach since November 2023, succeeding Fabio Grosso. He had previously coached in the club’s youth program.

Sage, who left Lyon this year, expressed excitement about the Championship in an interview with The Athletic. That is a boost for QPR if the coach is regarded as the ideal candidate.

Sage stated, “I’m now ready for a new project.” I’d like to start next season in either France or elsewhere in Europe, preferably in one of the big five leagues. My dream is to work in England because I believe it is the best country and league, and the Championship is a good league as well.

“My second job will probably be the most important. I believe Jose Mourinho said that you become a coach after being fired the first time. It was difficult to lose my job, but the most difficult thing was leaving Lyon, which is my club and hometown.

Sage explains Lyon sacking

Lyon were bottom of Ligue 1 when Sage stepped up to the plate and oversaw a remarkable turnaround to help the club finish sixth and qualify for the Europa League. The team also advanced to the final of the Coupe de France, where they were defeated 2-1 by Paris Saint Germain.

A poor run of results in January this year, including a cup exit against amateur side Bourgoin-Jallieu, prompted Lyon owner John Textor to fire Sage. The manager was replaced by Paulo Fonseca.

Sage stated, “The decision was a market opportunity for the owner.” The name Paulo Fonseca, as opposed to the name Pierre Sage, gave him (Textor) more confidence in finding a new investor and improving the club in other ways.

“He wanted this coach for a long time and had the opportunity to get him, so he persuaded him to come, and they signed a contract for two and a half years. But I have a lot of respect for the owner because he gave me this opportunity.”

Newcastle United assistant Jason Tindall has been linked with QPR, but has expressed his happiness at St James’ Park and no desire to become number one. According to NewcastleWorld, the possibility of Newcastle United’s coach coming to Loftus Road is extremely unlikely.

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