QPR place Marti Cifuentes on gardening leave and name interims in charge for final game of season
The 42 year old, who had been head coach since October 2023, is now on gardening leave, a term often used in football to indicate a manager’s suspension or exit while still under contract, typically to prevent them from joining a rival immediately.
His departure follows a successful tenure where he secured QPR’s Championship status with a 4-0 win over Leeds United in April 2024, but fan reactions suggest betrayal, possibly due to rumors of him joining another club despite his expressed loyalty to QPR supporters.
Assistant coaches Kevin Betsy and Xavi Calm taking interim charge for the final 2024/25 match against Sunderland raises questions, as fans note Xavi Calm’s likely departure with Cifuentes, hinting at deeper internal turmoil within the club.
QPR STATEMENT:
MARTÍ Cifuentes has been placed on gardening leave.
Assistant coaches Kevin Betsy and Xavi Calm will take charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis and prepare the squad for our final fixture of the 2024/25 campaign against Sunderland.
CEO Christian Nourry said: “This is naturally a disappointing situation for everyone concerned.
“I fully understand and appreciate supporters’ frustrations at this time.
“As a club, we are working to ensure this matter is resolved as swiftly as possible so we can start preparations in earnest for the future.”
