QPR announce new manager after talks with Zlatan Ibrahimovic as Hoops snub Neil Warnock return
QPR have announced the appointment of Marti Cifuentes.
Cifuentes arrives from Hammarby, who are partly owned by Sweden legend Ibrahimovic
Ibrahimovic owns a quarter stake in the club after doing a deal alongside entertainment company AEG to buy into the Stockholm-based club.
Cifuentes, 41, was close to getting the QPR job when Michael Beale, who later left for Glasgow Rangers, took over in June last year.
QPR CEO Lee Hoos was delighted to confirm the Spanaird’s capture.
He said in a statement: “We are delighted to bring Martí in and I would firstly like to thank Hammarby for being fantastic to deal with throughout the process.
“Martí is an exciting appointment and we look forward to seeing the impact he can have.
“Having a succession plan in place is a necessary part of football, irrespective of how the team are performing.
“Martí is someone we have been aware of so we are really pleased to have been able to secure his services.”
Neil Warnock, 74, is also on the shortlist and is keen on a third stint at Loftus Road. Former Southampton boss Nathan Jones is keen on the position.
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Veteran boss Warnock left Huddersfield earlier this season despite guiding them to safety in the Previous campaign.
QPR sacked Gareth Ainsworth after nine Championship games without a win left them six points from safety in 23rd place.
The 50-year-old was appointed in February following 11 years at Wycombe but he won only five of 28 games in charge.
QPR’s loss to Leicester on Saturday was their 6th in a row.
It leaves the West London club in the bottom three, six points off safety.