Next QPR Manager Odds: Stephan Waiting In The Wings As Cifuentes Departs
Queens Park Rangers head coach Marti Cifuentes has left the club with former Rennes and Strasbourg boss Julien Stephan set to be their new boss, according to football betting sites.
The 42-year-old was placed on gardening leave after the Hoops' final home game of the season, and his departure has now been confirmed.
Cifuentes replaced Gareth Ainsworth in October 2023, with the club second from bottom in the Championship, he helped the team avoid relegation with a strong mid-season run.
After a slow start to last season, with just two wins in their first 16 league matches, a run of 10 wins in 18 games took them to within three points off the play-offs.
However, form dipped again, and just two wins in the final 12 matches saw them slide.
A 5-0 home loss to Burnley in their penultimate game proved to be the final straw as Cifuentes waved goodbye to the fans in a lap of honour that signalled a painful end to his time at the club.
Stephan might be hot favourite for the role, but a number of candidates have been linked to the job.
So let's look at some of the key contenders and the latest odds for the next permanent manager at Loftus Road.
Stephan Seems A Certainty
Stephan began his managerial career with Rennes' youth team before taking charge of the senior side in December 2018.
He guided the club to its first major trophy in 48 years by winning the 2018/19 Coupe de France against Paris Saint-Germain and later secured Rennes' first-ever Champions League qualification in 2020.
After resigning in 2021, he took over at Strasbourg, leading them to a sixth-place finish in his debut season.
He returned to Rennes in 2023 but was dismissed in November 2024 after a disappointing start to the campaign.
Having been available at 14/1 for the QPR job at one stage, Stephan is now the clear favourite with betting sites at 1/5 to be the next manager of the Rs.
Next QPR Manager Odds
Manager | Odds | Probability |
Julien Stephan | 1/5 | 83.3% |
Johannes Hoff Thorup | 7/1 | 12.5% |
Pierre Sage | 12/1 | 7.7% |
Onur Cinel | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Raffaele Palladino | 33/1 | 2.9% |
Tim Walter | 33/1 | 2.9% |
Stephen Robinson | 33/1 | 2.9% |
Christian Titz | 33/1 | 2.9% |
Thorup's Odds Drift
Former Norwich boss Thorup had been favourite to be the QPR manager, but now finds himself behind Stephan in the next QPR manager odds.
The Danish coach probably counts himself unlucky to have been dismissed by the Norfolk club, as it appears the board shifted their strategic goals mid-season.
Thorup was appointed with the remit of signing young players and developing them for the future, but once it became apparent a top-six spot was within reach, then the ambitions of the club's hierarchy became focused on the play-offs.
A poor set of results during the run-in saw the Canaries finish in the bottom half of the table, but that might not deter QPR chiefs, who might believe Thorup's philosophy matches their own.
He is currently 7/1 second favourite according to betting apps.
Sage Seeking New Opportunity
Pierre Sage may not be a familiar name to many in the UK, but he put in a solid 15-month stint at Lyon before parting ways following a dip in form this January.
Now potentially eyeing his first opportunity outside of France, some reports suggest he could be on QPR’s radar.
It’s worth remembering that Cifuentes was relatively unknown in Europe’s major leagues before taking charge at Rangers, and he’s made a strong impression at Loftus Road.
That track record could encourage the club to pursue a manager with a similar profile this time around and Sage is now 12/1 for the role.
Cinel Offers Experience
Onur Cinel boasts a diverse coaching background across youth and senior levels, making him one of the most sought-after young coaches in the game.
The 39-year-old spent over a decade at Schalke and led the U17 team to a national title in 2022.
Cinel has also served as assistant to Ralf Rangnick with Austria's national team and held interim head coach roles at FC Liefering and Red Bull Salzburg.
Such experience could be vital in the Championship, and Cinel now finds himself at 16/1 to be the next Rangers boss.
Palladino Poised
Palladino (33/1) took charge of Fiorentina last summer and finished his first season at the Stadio Franchi in sixth place as well as securing a Conference League spot.
However, that didn't prevent him from apparently wanting to leave Florence and a fresh challenge could await in west London.
Elsewhere, former Hull boss Tim Walter is also at 33/1, the same price as St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson and German coach Christian Titz.
* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.
