Queens Park Rangers finished 15th last season. Coming off the back of a trio of bottom-half finishes, Rangers will be looking to improve next season.
Ahead of their opening fixture against Preston North End on the ninth of August, I sat down with Lower Tiers writer and QPR fan Amar Topan (@W12Amar On X) to talk all things QPR in a QPR Interview.
Before we start, I would like to take a moment to thank Amar for taking part in the QPR Interview. His responses and insights aim to give you an insight into the club currently.
The QPR Interview
Question 1: How Would You Summarize Last Season?
“Last season was a rollercoaster, and not in a fun way. Our form was horrendous for long periods and the injury plague didn’t help. I’m happy we survived but relieved it’s over more than anything else.”
Question 2: What Was Your Favourite Moment Of Last Season?
“Koki Saito’s first goal for the club against Hull, we’d all been waiting for it and what a goal it was. The interview with him and Smyth afterwards is gold too.”
Question 3: What Do You Think Of The Club Currently?
“I think the club is heading in the right direction, the signings have been astute and you can sense a feeling of positivity and optimism that hasn’t been around the place for a while. We have a lot of good young talent at the moment which has been missing from the club for a very long time. I have a lot of faith in the direction the CEO is taking us.”
Question 4: Are QPR Prepared For Next Season?
“I don’t have a clue if I’m honest, the players seem to be enjoying the preseason and the manager’s style but we’ve been really spotty in the early fixtures. The signings we’ve made look good but we’re definitely lacking in a couple of areas.”
Question 5: What Has Been Your Best Signing So Far?
“It’s got to be Kwame Poku. Everyone knows how good he is and I’m quite surprised he chose us over the likes of Birmingham and Rangers. He’s a proper player who’s still quite young and seems a steal for less than £1 million.”
Question 6: Name One Area Of The Rangers’ Squad That Needs Improving And Why?
“It seems quite clear that we desperately need a central midfielder able to carry the ball and play in the new manager’s style. We’ve been linked with a couple and I’m hoping we can get one over the line.”
Question 7: Can QPR Improve On Last Season In The Upcoming Season?
“Our squad looks much stronger than last season and as long as we’re able to keep players fit we should be looking up the table rather than into the void.”
Question 8: Is Julien Stephan The Right Manager For The Club?
“Yes, on paper he’s the perfect man for the position we find ourselves in. He fits the style we want to play and he has plenty of experience of developing young players. Considering his CV, we’ve done very well to bring him to the club.”
Question 9: Who Is QPR’s Best Player Currently?
“I have to say Jonathan Varane. It took him a while to settle last season but once he did, it was obvious that he’s a step above most in the league. He’s strong in the tackle and assured on the ball, everything you want in a holding midfielder. He’s been linked with a move away but signed a long-term deal in the summer. He’s got the potential to be worth serious money by the end of the season.”
Question 10: Can You Give Me A Prediction For How QPR Will Do Next Season?
“With a couple more signings likely to come in, I think we should be aiming for a top half finish with the aim of pushing towards the playoffs for 2026/27. I think most fans would happily accept a solid mid-table season free of the stress of a relegation battle.”
Thank you for reading the QPR interview with Amar Topan.
