QPR confirm the appointment of their new manager after sacking Gareth Ainsworth

QPR confirm the appointment of their new manager Martí Cifuentes after the sacking of Gareth Ainsworth on Saturday night.

Martí Cifuentes, 41, will become the West London outfit’s boss, and has quite the task on his hands after his new side’s awful start to their campaign, sitting 23rd in the Championship after defeat to Leicester City at the weekend.

Shortly after the game, the club made the decision to sack Ainsworth after just 28 games in charge of the team. and only registered five wins in his time in charge.

As for his replacement, there have been a handful of names thrown around, including Neil Warnock, but it’s Martí Cifuentes who they’ve gone for.

He leaves having been manager of Hammarby in Sweden, having started off his coaching career in the lower league in Spain before moving to Norway and then Sweden.

👔 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜’𝗦 𝗥 𝗠𝗔𝗡 👔

We’re delighted to announce the appointment of our new head coach, Martí Cifuentes! 🇪🇸@MCC14 🤝

— QPR FC (@QPR) October 30, 2023

CLUB STATEMENT:

QPR are delighted to announce the appointment of Martí Cifuentes as the club’s new head coach.

The 41-year-old Spaniard arrives from Swedish top-flight side Hammarby, where he has been for the past two years.

QPR CEO Lee Hoos said: “We are delighted to bring Martí in and I would firstly like to thank Hammarby for being fantastic to deal with throughout the process.

“Martí is an exciting appointment and we look forward to seeing the impact he can have.

“Having a succession plan in place is a necessary part of football, irrespective of how the team are performing.

“Martí is someone we have been aware of so we are really pleased to have been able to secure his services.”

Cifuentes, who has previously coached in the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, took control of his last fixture for Hammarby this evening (Monday).

He will arrive in London on Tuesday when he will conduct his first interview with club channels.

This appointment is subject to a work permit.

This is how fans reacted as QPR confirm the appointment of their new manager after sacking Gareth Ainsworth…

@CouncillorPaige: This could be interesting but we’ve got to give the guy our support and the chance to prove himself. Happy to reserve a judgement. Welcome to the special world that is QPR, gaffer! 🔵⚪️🔵⚪️🔵

@drewbnix: Out of the box hire. It’s risky, but I like it. #QPR

@superhoop50: For me, massive gamble by the club, but all the very best to the fella. He’s gonna need it. #QPR

@rangers_forza: Im buzzing I cant lie, but it may be because ive been kept a prisoner in a dark wet basement eating gruel for 12 months under Ainsworth – Welcome Marti!

@MartinGriffin4: No idea about him, just hope he’s ready to fight tooth and nail to turn us around. Back the manager, back the boys. Let’s get our season back on track

@RtKody: We’re gonna have more than 30% possession in games 😍😍

@Sam_Spring: Wow, big big risk but I pray he’s the answer… I’d hope we’ve covered ourselves with a big compensation package built in to stop another Beale type situation …

@derekhailey501: Well, well, well……. an unexpected turn of events but I’m hoping this is going to bring the change in our fortunes that we desperately need. Let’s get behind the manager and players and get back to winning ways. COYRS!! #QPR

@1972madmike32: Very big gamble and he clearly plays attacking football and just hope he realises how hard Championship football is ! .. good luck to him and Welcome to the R’s Marti

@awills84: Ok , I cant lie I haven’t a clue who he is or if he is good or not who knows🤷‍♂️, I hope he is ready for the championship and for #QPR 🔵⚪

@CurzonSCM: Only QPR could appoint someone with no experience over an experienced serial championship relegation avoider ex manager who wanted to return. It’s like it’s almost deliberate!

@Phil_Wombats: Good luck, you’ll need it.

@StonesThrow_W12: Can’t really be happy or annoyed. I’m glad we’re away from Ainsworth but let’s be fair, none of us really know anything about the fella. All we can do is give him our unwavering support for now, and hope for the best. Good luck Martí, my god you’re gunna need it son 🤣 #QPR 🇪🇸

@SouvlakiGazz: Wasn’t my first choice. I would’ve preferred lower risk option with a proven track record but “it is what it is”. He doesn’t stay long an any club so not sure what will change. I hope for all our sakes he’

@Sandyhoops: I’ll get 100% behind Marti Cifuentes – as I do for any manager – but he’s got one helluva huge task on his hands. Good luck #QPR

@GRDHoops: Never knew that there were so many Swedish League experts amongst the QPR fan base! Welcome Marti, I think you will be Brilliant/Average/Rubbish for QPR. #QPR

@dandbennett_: Seriously bold appointment for a club battling Championship survival. Would’ve been easy to go for one of the obvious names but good luck to him. Hope it works out for #QPR