NEW Queens Park Rangers boss Julien Stephan saiid “total respect” in the Hoops jersey is a “non-negotiable” after he was named the club’s new head coach this week.
Stephan has developed a reputation for bringing through young talent. At Rennes, he worked with Ismaila Sarr, now of Crystal Palace, Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga and Barcelona’s Raphinha.
Stephan outlined his vision for his team at his unveiling this week.
“The main values are commitment, discipline, and team spirit,” Stephan said.
“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 respect, total respect, and it’s non-negotiable for me.”
He added: “For me, each player is different. Most important is to understand their personality, their strengths and also what motivates them.
“I try to build a strong relationship with them and create the conditions to put them in the right environment to develop.”
Stephan doesn’t have long to work with the squad ahead of their first pre-season friendly of the summer against Stevenage on July 5.
Stephan said: “I see a group with talent, commitment and potential. I think for sure there’s work to do, but I think we have a great potential in the squad and there’s a strong foundation to develop.”
Stephan also highlighted the role Hoops supporters can play.
“Their support will be essential,” he said.
“We need them. We need to fight for them and I hope they feel proud of what they see on the pitch. We need them in the good moments and also in the tough ones.
“We are ready to give our best and to start this new chapter with determination and ambition.”
QPR chief executive Christian Nourry explained why the club appointed the Frenchman.
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Julien and appoint him as head coach,” he said.
“Julien’s track record of developing young players into world-class talent was a major factor in our decision to appoint him. Alongside this, both at Rennes and Strasbourg, he achieved historic league success.
“He has demonstrated genuine excitement about our players in the first-team squad and the prospect of working with them to try to push this club on further.
“Julien’s appointment is the fruit of an extensive process that was undertaken by key club figures to identify, evaluate and recruit a coach that understands the club’s football philosophy and is energised by it.”
On Marti Cifuentes’ departure, Nourry said: “The decision to place MartI on gardening leave towards the end of the season was not an easy one to make.
“As we now move forwards, I would like to thank MartI wholeheartedly for having a positive impact during his two years here.
“He did a fantastic job to help us remain in the division when we he first came in under difficult circumstances, and he worked hard to repeat that again in 2024-25.
“We wish him well for whatever comes next.”
