Spaniard leaves Hammarby to take over struggling Championship side

Queens Park Rangers (QPR) have confirmed the appointment of Marti Cifuentes as their new head coach, following the sacking of Gareth Ainsworth. The decision comes after the team suffered a sixth consecutive league defeat, losing 2-1 at home to league leaders Leicester on Saturday. This defeat left QPR sitting second from the bottom of the Sky Bet Championship, prompting the club to part ways with Ainsworth.

Cifuentes, 41, arrives from Swedish top-flight club Hammarby, where he has been coaching for the past two seasons. His appointment is contingent on receiving a work permit.

QPR’s chief executive, Lee Hoos, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointment: “We are delighted to bring Marti in, and I would firstly like to thank Hammarby for being fantastic to deal with throughout the process. Marti 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, and Marti is someone we have been aware of for some time. We are really pleased to have been able to secure his services.”

Cifuentes’ arrival marks a new chapter for QPR as they aim to reverse their poor form and climb out of the Championship relegation zone.