QPR confirm huge Marti Cifuentes decision amid West Brom interest | OneFootball

The R’s manager was absent from Tuesday training amidst reports of a breakdown of relationship with the board, and now he's set to leave

Martí Cifuentes has been placed on gardening leave by Queens Park Rangers after a breakdown in relations with the club’s hierarchy.

It was first reported by The Telegraph’s John Percy, who revealed Cifuentes did not take training on Tuesday amidst discussions over his future with the Hoops.

Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion are monitoring the situation closely as they search for a new head coach, amid growing friction from the Spaniard with the QPR board over the club’s long-term strategy.

QPR to part ways with Marti Cifuentes following strategic disagreements

Cifuentes’ exit brings an abrupt end to a tenure that has been defined by both success and strain.

He arrived in west London in October 2023 from Hammarby IF, with QPR languishing near the foot of the table, and quickly instilled structure, belief, and a defined style of play.

Despite that, tensions behind the scenes have escalated. Cifuentes and the board have reportedly disagreed over recruitment plans and the club’s overall direction, with talks now ongoing to bring his spell to an early conclusion.

His absence from training suggested a departure could be imminent, just ahead of QPR’s season finale away at Sunderland, and that has been confirmed, with his assistant Xavi Calm and coach Kevin Betsy taking charge at the Stadium of Light.

Though Cifuentes spoke positively about his job and the club's supporters following a 5-0 defeat to Burnley at the weekend, his comments also hinted at deeper frustrations, saying: “I’m an ambitious person… I enjoy my job here and enjoy English football, and am ready for more.”

West Bromwich Albion to target Cifuentes as Tony Mowbray replacement

Cifuentes’ prospective availability quickly drew interest from within the division. West Bromwich Albion, who dismissed Tony Mowbray last week, are understood to be considering the QPR boss as a leading candidate for the vacancy at The Hawthorns.

West Brom’s 3-1 defeat to Derby County effectively ended their hopes of reaching the play-offs, prompting the club hierarchy to part ways with Mowbray and begin their seventh managerial search in less than six years.

Cifuentes’ track record - turning around struggling sides in both England and Scandinavia - makes him an attractive candidate, although the fact he is under contract at QPR means compensation would still need to be paid, irrespective of the gardening leave.

The 41-year-old has built a reputation as a progressive, tactically sharp manager across Europe, having held roles in Spain, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden before arriving in England.

His time at QPR has only strengthened that profile, with his focus on organisation and development resonating well with both fans and players.