Fans have been left impressed after Julien Stéphan explains the reasons behind the decision to become the new head coach of QPR.
The 44-year-old Frenchman comes in to replace the departed Marti Cifuentes following a 15th place finish in the Championship, with 56 points, 7 points above the drop zone and 12 points from the playoff places.
Julien guided Rennes to a Coupe de France title in 2019 and a 3rd place Ligue 1 finish in 2019/20, securing Champions League qualification.
At Strasbourg, he achieved a 6th place finish in 2021/22, their highest in 42 years.
Stéphan is excited to join QPR, citing the club’s historic status, passionate fans, unique English football atmosphere, aims to implement an intense, energetic playing style with a clear identity, while allowing players freedom to express themselves.
Bienvenue, Julien Stéphan. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/TZCmm8kdRC
— QPR FC (@QPR) June 25, 2025
C’est our new Head Coach.
Julien Stéphan 🇫🇷
— QPR FC (@QPR) June 25, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
QPR are delighted to confirm Julien Stéphan as the club’s new Head Coach.
The 44-year-old has previously worked in the French top flight with Rennes and Strasbourg.
He guided his boyhood club Rennes to their first trophy in 48 years when they won the Coupe de France in 2019, and achieved their highest league placement in their history in 2019/20 when they finished third in Ligue 1 to qualify for the Champions League.
Under the Frenchman, Strasbourg finished sixth in the table in 2021/22, recording their highest position for 42 years.
Now Stéphan is ready for a new chapter in W12.
“I feel very proud and excited to join QPR,” Julienn 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.”
Marti Cifuentes issues goodbye message as he leaves Queens Park Rangers
Explaining how he likes to play the game, Stéphan said: “I like my team to play with intensity, energy and personality.
“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.”
While keen to bring energy and excitement to W12, Stéphan said there are fundamentals he demands from all his players.
“The main values are commitment, discipline, and team spirit,” he said.
“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.”
Stéphan has built a reputation for player development on the Continent, and he revealed his philosophy to maximise the potential of who he coaches.
“For me, each player is different,” he explained. “Most important is to understand their personality, their strengths and also what motivates them.
“I try to build a strong relationship with them and create the conditions to put them in the right environment to develop.”
Looking ahead to life as QPR’s head coach, Stéphan said: “I see a group with talent, commitment and potential. I think for sure there’s work to do, but I think we have a great potential in the squad and there’s a strong foundation to develop.”
Stéphan is excited to have the QPR fans with him, adding: “Their support will be essential.
“We need them. We need to fight for them and I hope they feel proud of what they see on the pitch. We need them in the good moments and also in the tough ones.
“We are ready to give our best and to start this new chapter with determination and ambition.”
CEO Christian Nourry said: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Julien and appoint him as Head Coach.
“Julien’s track record of developing young players into world class talent was a major factor in our decision to appoint him. Alongside this, both at Rennes and Strasbourg, he achieved historic league success.
“He has demonstrated genuine excitement about our players in the first-team squad and the prospect of working with them to try to push this club on further.
“Julien’s appointment is the fruit of an extensive process that was undertaken by key club figures to identify, evaluate and recruit a coach that understands the club’s football philosophy and is energised by it.”
As mentioned, fans have been left impressed after Julien Stéphan explains his decision to become new QPR head coach…
@QPR_FR: Intensity, energy and personality – let’s GOOOO!!!!
@LONERANGER1882: Lads if he’s decent enough to get us to finish 15th or higher, please just keep him! This is like our 15th manager in the past decade. Give him 3 years
@rossblair1809: Have to say this does excite me. Really looking forward to the season now
@neilqprwood: How far forward are we now compared to Ferdinand era a proper strategy with youth and this does sound like a superb appointment great CV FOR Julian stephan #coyrs #QPR
@jamezqpr1: We’ve got a good one here #qpr
@HDpridex: His portfolio of working with young players who turn out to be different gravy is crazy! Exciting times ahead #QPR
@TerryADXB: He’s here and he’s beautiful. UP THE R’s. #QPR
@GrantsElectric1: That’s very impressive and exactly what we need as a cub for ambition and financial stability
@QueensPStranger: I love hearing his voice already
@cole_qpr: So basically what you’re saying we’re doing the treble
@r_insights23: Not a bad array of young talent to say you’ve worked with in the first 6 seasons of your career.
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