"This is starting to stink" - QPR concern raised amid Marti Cifuentes, West Brom news | OneFootball

FLW's QPR fan pundit has given his verdict on Martí Cifuentes' links to the West Brom managerial vacancy

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

West Brom have held talks with QPR manager Martí Cifuentes’ representatives over potentially taking charge of the first team squad.

According to Sky Sports, discussions have taken place over becoming the permanent replacement for Tony Mowbray.

It was reported by The Sun earlier this month that the Spaniard was considering quitting the London outfit after a breakdown in his relationship with CEO Christian Nourry.

But it remains to be seen what the future holds for Cifuentes, who has been with QPR since October 2023.

Martí Cifuentes future verdict

When asked about Cifuentes’ links to West Brom, FLW’s QPR fan pundit Louis Moir believes that there is something off about this entire development.

He is certain that the coach knows about the talks with the Baggies, and that it is hurting his standing with supporters, comparing the situation to Michael Beale’s exit from Loftus Road.

“I think I saw this coming, to be honest, obviously there’s been a lot of talk, there’s been a few murmurs surrounding Martí and his future at the club,” Moir told Football League World.

“And obviously it’s come out that his representatives are in talks with West Brom.

“This is starting to stink now, really, you can see what the next step is going to be.

“Yes it’s his representatives, but surely he knew about it cause he would’ve had to have granted them permission to speak to another club, surely.

“I just can’t see how this would’ve happened without Martí not knowing or being aware of it, it doesn’t sit right with me.

“You’ve seen the initial reaction from fans online, and it’s going from Martí the guy we loved to the complete opposite.

“It’s sort of reminding fans of what Mick Beale did.

“Yes, it’s his representatives but he’s got to be involved as well and, for me, that’s just a sign that he wants out.”

Cifuentes' QPR uncertainty

Moir has highlighted the contrast in this report and the comments publicly made by Cifuentes about building for next season, suggesting the entire situation doesn’t sit right with him.

“If this is the way it’s going to end, it’s not ideal, especially with him coming out and speaking that, if wanted, he would like to stay at QPR, really,” he added.

“All the future talk of building the next season, it’s just something doesn’t add up and he’s known about this and he’s gone against the players that he’s been managing, he’s gone against the fans.

“Maybe there was something, and the players knew something against Burnley because that performance was diabolical.

“They looked like they were playing with an ‘I don’t care’ mentality, maybe they knew about something that was going to happen, that could’ve explained the debacle that was that horrible defeat.

“Something doesn’t sit right.

“If he goes to West Brom, it will be fascinating to see how he does.

“I hope we finish above them next season, but we’ve got to get it spot on with the next appointment.

“But yeah it leaves a sour taste, going from the man we loved to the man we may now hate.”

QPR are currently 15th in the Championship table, and will play Sunderland on 3 May in their final game of the campaign.

QPR will face big questions if Cifuentes leaves

QPR have undergone a lot of issues behind the scenes in recent years, and losing Cifuentes would shine that spotlight back on the owners.

If he went to West Brom, it would be a real blow considering they are a Championship rival, whereas if he was about to be poached by a Premier League club then it would be more understandable.

Cifuentes brought some much-needed stability to the club after they’d cycled through a number of managers in a short span of time.

While the manner of his exit may not go down well with supporters, if it happens, he could prove them it was the right call if things work out at the Hawthorns long-term.