Exclusive: Don Goodman makes "surprised" claim over QPR, Johannes Hoff Thorup news | OneFootball

The Sky Sports pundit has reservations about a Championship return for Johannes Hoff Thorup

Journalists in Denmark have linked former Norwich City boss Johannes Hoff Thorup to the vacant managerial post at Queens’ Park Rangers.

Thorup, 36, was sacked by the Canaries in April after losing six games from eight, with only one win.

Now, the Dane is believed to be of interest to fellow Championship side QPR, who placed Marti Cifuentes on gardening leave before the season’s close after reported differences with the Hoops’ hierarchy.

Don Goodman delivers verdict on Thorup’s Championship credentials amidst QPR links

In light of Thorup’s potential switch, Football League World spoke exclusively with Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman for his thoughts on a QPR move.

Goodman recognises that Thorup showed glimpses of an attractive, possession-based style during his time at Norwich, particularly in advanced areas of the pitch.

However, he also highlights concerns about the risks involved in his style and suggests that Thorup may not have been given the time he expected to implement his long-term vision.

While Goodman isn’t entirely surprised by Thorup’s interest in the Championship, he admits to being slightly surprised that QPR would pursue him, given how things played out with the Canaries.

“I’m not surprised that Johannes Hoff Thorup enjoyed his time in the Championship with Norwich City in terms of getting to know the league.” Goodman told FLW.

“I think he believed that there was a project at Norwich City rather than something that had to happen instantly and in the very, very short term, I think he felt that he could go in, develop a style of play, develop a playing squad over the course of maybe eighteen months to two seasons before being judged. It clearly wasn’t the case.

“There were lots of things about his Norwich City that I liked - particularly when they had the ball in the opposition half and in the forward areas - but then there were things I didn’t particularly like, in terms of the risks they took trying to play out from the back.

“So yes, is the answer to the question - slightly surprised that QPR would be interested in employing him.”

The latest on QPR’s hunt for a new manager ahead of 2024/25

With QPR now entering their 11th Championship campaign, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the club to get this appointment right.

Having narrowly avoided a relegation scrap in two consecutive seasons and seen Marti Cifuentes depart under strained circumstances, the Hoops’ hierarchy face mounting pressure to install a manager who can build stability and push the club up the table.

Johannes Hoff Thorup reportedly remains in advanced talks and appears a serious contender, but question marks persist over his suitability following a short and uneven spell at Norwich City.

While his footballing philosophy caught the eye in moments, it’s unclear whether he’ll be afforded the long-term project he seemed to expect in East Anglia.

Elsewhere, the likes of Pierre Sage and Christian Titz also remain in the frame - two very different coaches with their own blend of European experience and tactical nous.

Sage impressed with a high win rate at Olympique Lyonnais, while Titz - recently departed from FC Magdeburg - brings a strong record of over achievement in Germany’s second and third tiers.

Ultimately, QPR’s decision will need to balance ambition with realism.