"Disappointed" QPR verdict given as Julien Stephan exit talk swirls - "It's all a bit harsh" | OneFootball

FLW's QPR fan pundit has given his reaction to reports linking head coach Julien Stephan with a return to his native France.

It could be an intriguing summer for Queens Park Rangers as speculation continues to gather pace over the future of head coach Julien Stephan.

Stephan took over at QPR in the summer following the departure of Marti Cifuentes, and he has enjoyed a solid first season in charge at Loftus Road, with his side set for a comfortable mid-table finish in the Championship.

However, the R's sat as high as seventh in the table in late December, but a run of just six wins in 23 games in the second half of the season has seen them drop out of play-off contention, leaving many supporters wondering what might have been.

While there will likely be some frustration among the Hoops' hierarchy about how their season has petered out, it had been assumed that Stephan's position was not under any threat, but it now looks uncertain whether the Frenchman will continue in his role beyond the summer.

The first rumours about a possible managerial change emerged earlier this month when it was claimed that QPR had made contact with former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis, who was sacked by Flamengo in March after a trophy-laden spell in charge of the Brazilian outfit.

Further doubt was cast on Stephan's situation this week when journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter reported that a club in Ligue 1 were considering a move to bring him back to his native France, but the 45-year-old confirmed that he expected to remain in West London next season when quizzed on the speculation, stating that he is "focused on QPR and nothing more".

QPR reaction given to Julien Stephan exit rumours as clear wish outlined

When asked for his thoughts on Stephan's potential exit, FLW's QPR fan pundit, Louis Moir, admitted he would be disappointed to lose the former Rennes and Strasbourg boss this summer, and he questioned why some R's supporters believe his departure would not be a blow.

"Quite potentially Stephan might want to go back to France if a good offer is on the table," Louis told FLW.

"I think hearing all this talk and speculation, if it turned out to be true, I would be disappointed.

"I've seen a fair few fans saying they wouldn't lose sleep over it or we could get better, but I just think it's all a bit harsh.

"It's his first season in the Championship, his first season managing in England, he's had to deal with the horrendous, severe injury problems we suffered, which kind of derailed our season.

"Prior to that, we were kind of up there, we were challenging, we were there or there abouts.

"Yes, not every game was perfect, but it's never going to be.

"I just think he's had a first season under his belt in the Championship, he will learn from his mistakes that he's made in certain games and he now has a feel for the league.

"With a fully fit squad and not as bad of an injury record, hopefully that will improve next season, and we might get better signings in key positions we're lacking, such as goalkeeper, full-backs, maybe a midfielder.

"It would be disappointing because you don't want to keep swapping managers.

"We've not done too badly, considering everything that's happened.

"I think we could kick on under him if everything that I said in terms of transfers and injuries sorts itself out.

"We've seen proper glimpses of what we can do this season.

"We beat Coventry, who won the league, at home with an injury-depleted squad, we've had good performances against good sides up there.

"We've shown we're capable, he's not got everything spot on, but, like I say, it's his first season in the Championship, which is a very tough league as we all know.

"I would be disappointed if it was true.

"If he does go, would we get someone in that we'd be fully behind?

"I'd trust the club with the way we're being run now, I'd be confident in having a decent manager in charge instead of him, but it would just be good to carry on with what we've shown this season and kick on next year.

"You don't want to end up getting a new manager and that makes the players think 'oh here we go again, it's another manager merry-go-round'.

"We need to build now.

"If he goes, he goes, but I would be disappointed, that's for sure."

QPR must take firm Julien Stephan stance as French top flight interest emerges

It has been a frustrating few months for QPR, with a season that promised so much drifting towards another underwhelming mid-table finish, just like many of their previous campaigns over the past decade.

However, given the injuries he has had to contend with and the lack of depth within the squad, it would be harsh to place too much of the blame on Stephan for the decline in form in the second half of the season.

While Stephan has been unable to fix the R's inconsistency, his side have certainly shown plenty of potential this campaign, and they could be a real force next season if he is given the necessary backing in the summer transfer window.

It seems that Stephan may have a big decision to make over his future amid reports of Ligue 1 interest, but QPR should do everything possible to hold on to their head coach this summer and persuade him not to make a return to France.