Sunderland’s upcoming Championship opponents, Queens Park Rangers, are facing significant upheaval just days before their final fixture of the season. QPR head coach Martí Cifuentes has been placed on gardening leave amid mounting interest from West Bromwich Albion. The Midlands club, who recently parted ways with ex-Sunderland and Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray in a surprise decision, have earmarked Cifuentes as a leading candidate to take over the reins. It’s understood that talks have taken place between Cifuentes’ representatives and West Brom, prompting QPR to take immediate action by sidelining their manager.
In an official statement, QPR confirmed that assistant coaches Kevin Betsy and Xavi Calm will take charge of first-team duties on an interim basis as the club prepares for Saturday’s clash against Sunderland – the final game of their 2024/25 campaign. Club chief executive Christian Nourry acknowledged the disruption, expressing his regret over the situation. He sympathized with the frustration among fans and reassured them that the club is working swiftly to resolve the matter and begin looking ahead to the future.
Cifuentes took charge at Loftus Road in October 2023, stepping in when QPR were at the bottom of the Championship table, six points from safety. His impact was notable, and he was rewarded with a long-term contract extension in September. However, West Brom’s interest means any potential move would likely involve a compensation package. QPR currently sit 15th in the standings and have only managed two wins in their last 12 matches, heading to Wearside on the back of a demoralizing 5-0 defeat to Burnley.
Despite the heavy loss, Cifuentes remained resolute in his post-match comments. He admitted the result was a painful one, especially given the team’s desire to end their home campaign on a high note, but insisted it didn’t reflect the progress made over the season. Addressing speculation around the West Brom links, Cifuentes emphasized his satisfaction with the job he has done at QPR. He reiterated his ambition and commitment, stating that he enjoys his role, values the challenges of English football, and remains driven to keep improving.
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