Queens Park Rangers have appointed Julian Stephan as their new manager, tasked with improving upon the club's 15th-placed finish in the 2024-2025 season. Stephan succeeds Marti Cifuentes, who was placed on gardening leave in April after questioning the club's direction. Cifuentes officially left the club on Wednesday, with assistant coaches Kevin Betsy and Xavi Calm leading the side to a 15th-place finish in the Championship, seven points clear of relegation. Stephan, who enjoyed two separate spells at Rennes, either side of coaching Strasbourg from 2021 to 2023, is looking to bring success to Loftus Road. In his first spell with Rennes, his hometown club, Stephan delivered their first major trophy in 48 years, overseeing a penalty shootout victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the 2019 Coupe de France final. Stephan's second stint with Rennes ended last November, when he was dismissed after a poor start to the Ligue 1 season. Julian Stephan said, 'QPR is a historic club with strong values and passionate fans, so I feel honoured.' The intensity and atmosphere of English football were key factors in Stephan's decision to join Queens Park Rangers. And with his experience in French football, Stephan is looking to make a positive impact at the club. So, what can Queens Park Rangers fans expect from their new manager? Stephan's coaching style and tactics will be closely watched, as he looks to improve the team's performance and bring success to Loftus Road. But for now, the focus is on preparing for the new season, with Stephan getting to know his players and staff. The club's fans will be eager to see how Stephan's appointment will affect the team's fortunes, and whether he can lead them to a higher finish in the Championship.