Julien Stephan’s English Adventure Begins: QPR Turn to French Flair in the Championship
Former Rennes and Strasbourg boss tasked with leading QPR’s rebuild after mid-table finish
After a season defined more by survival than silverware, Queens Park Rangers have pressed the reset button — and they’ve turned to France for a fresh start. In an ambitious move, QPR have appointed Julien Stephan as their new head coach, bringing the 44-year-old former Rennes and Strasbourg manager into the Championship for what will be his first job in English football.
It’s a bold appointment, and perhaps one that suggests a club keen to rediscover its identity, both on and off the pitch.
A coach with pedigree — and a point to prove
Though relatively young by managerial standards, Julien Stephan arrives with more than just potential. He’s a French Cup winner with Rennes — delivering the club their first major trophy in nearly five decades in 2019 — and a respected developer of talent. Names like Eduardo Camavinga, Raphinha, and Jeremy Doku all thrived under his watch, suggesting that Stephan isn’t just a tactician, but a teacher.
But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. After a promising first spell at Rennes, a move to Strasbourg in 2021 brought early progress before momentum stalled. He was relieved of his duties in early 2023, only to return to Rennes months later in a stint that proved short-lived. A string of poor results last autumn led to another departure, and now, with the dust settled, Stephan finds himself on the touchlines of England’s second tier, ready to write a new chapter.
“There’s something unique about English football”
Speaking to QPR’s club media following his appointment, Stephan cut a motivated, almost poetic figure. “I feel very proud and excited to join QPR,” he said. “QPR is a historic club with strong values and passionate fans… I feel honoured.”
His respect for English football’s essence was evident. “There’s something unique about English football. The intensity, the atmosphere, the passion of the fans, the tempo of the game — it’s a very stimulating environment for a coach.”
That sentiment will certainly resonate with QPR supporters, who have been longing for a sense of purpose after several forgettable campaigns in the Championship.
A club in need of direction
QPR finished 15th in the Championship table in 2024-25, just seven points above the relegation zone. It was a season of mediocrity and inconsistency — and one that ultimately led to the exit of former manager Marti Cifuentes, who had been placed on gardening leave in April before officially leaving the club on Tuesday night.
In appointing Stephan, QPR are taking a clear gamble on continental coaching methods — but one underpinned by a desire for long-term growth. Stephan’s background in youth development and his tactical nous could provide the foundation for a new footballing philosophy at Loftus Road.
From Bordeaux to Shepherd’s Bush: Stephan’s journey so far
Julien Stephan’s playing days were modest but shaped by experience. A defensive midfielder and centre-back by trade, his career began at Bordeaux, before spells with PSG’s B team, RC Paris, Stade Briochin, and FC Drouais, where he hung up his boots in 2007.
That’s when the coaching journey began. First as a youth coach at Drouais, then as part of the underage structures at Châteauroux and Lorient. But it was at Rennes, his hometown club, where Stephan made his real breakthrough. Promoted from youth roles to first-team manager in 2018, he famously guided Rennes to Coupe de France glory in his first season, defeating PSG in a dramatic final.
Following a respectable European run and several impressive domestic campaigns, he stepped down in 2021 and joined Strasbourg, where he managed 58 matches. A second spell at Rennes followed, albeit a brief one. Now, he’s set to bring his experience — and his vision — to the ever-unpredictable world of the Championship.
“I expect my players to give everything”
If his early remarks are anything to go by, Stephan will bring a no-nonsense approach to his new dressing room.
“The main values are commitment, discipline and team spirit,” he explained. “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 total respect. That’s non-negotiable for me.”
It’s clear that Stephan has already begun laying the cultural groundwork. His emphasis on professionalism and respect will be welcomed by QPR supporters, many of whom felt the club lacked a clear identity in recent seasons.
He added: “I see a group with talent, commitment and potential. For sure, there’s work to do, but we have a great foundation to develop something special.”
The road ahead: A big season for QPR
The timing of Stephan’s appointment gives him a full pre-season to implement his ideas, with the 2025-26 Championship fixtures set to be announced this Thursday. That will be the Frenchman’s first glimpse of the task that lies ahead.
Can he steer QPR into the top half? Can he reignite the passion around Loftus Road? Time will tell. But one thing is for certain — this is a manager who thrives on challenges.
Julien Stephan is used to building. From youth sides to cup-winning squads, from raw talent to elite potential, he’s done it before. Now he’s in West London, and the tools are in his hands again.
For QPR, the hope is simple: that this bold move leads to something bigger than just survival — that it leads to style, structure, and maybe, just maybe, success.
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