Why Julien Stephan really left France to join QPR - He's revealed some clear reasons | OneFootball

Julien Stéphan took on his first role in English football with his switch to QPR

Julien Stéphan has opened up on his decision to leave France to take over at QPR for the new season.

The 44-year-old was previously in charge at the likes of Rennes and Strasbourg, never working outside of his native country as a manager until his move to Loftus Road.

The Frenchman took the first steps in his coaching career back in 2012, working at underage level with Rennes before stepping up to take over their first team squad in 2018.

He also spent two years with Strasbourg before returning to Rennes in 2023, where he spent one more season in charge.

Julien Stéphan opens up on decision to move to QPR

Stéphan has claimed that the timing was right for him to leave France as he wanted to experience something new after five or six years working in Ligue 1.

He praised the project that CEO Christian Nourry and the owners presented to him, revealing that they helped convince him to make the move to English football.

“After five or six years coaching in France I wanted to discover something new,” said Stéphan, via Fans Network.

“A new culture, a new league, a new environment, a new language.

“This was a good opportunity for me at the right moment.

“When the opportunity arose I decided to come here because I think it's a good project.

“I liked the way the management presented the project to me and the different discussions that we had together, and the different personalities also, because I had discussions with, of course, the CEO, with the owners, but also with the performance staff and with the other staff members.

“So yes, I was convinced that it was a good project for me.”

QPR’s start to the season

QPR have made a slow start to life under Stéphan, with injuries hampering their opening weeks of the new campaign.

The Hoops have won just one of their first four fixtures, a 3-1 victory against London rivals Charlton Athletic prior to the international break.

Next up for Stéphan’s side is a trip to face Wrexham on 13 September in a 3pm kick-off.

Julien Stéphan appointment has potential for QPR

It’s been a tough start for Stéphan, but he will be given time to make things work at QPR and that first win now under his belt shows some early positive signs.

It was a busy summer at Loftus Road, with 10 new players coming, so it will take time for everything to click under a new manager and such a big change in the team.

Injuries have also been a big factor for the club lately, and is an issue that QPR will have to try and get on top of as best they can.