Queens Park Rangers manager Julien Stephan has hailed the EFL Championship as "probably the most difficult league in the world", highlighting the relentless nature of England's second tier.
Speaking ahead of QPR's pre-season preparations, the French coach emphasised the unique challenges posed by the Championship's demanding schedule, competitive depth, and physical intensity. "There are no easy games," Stephan admitted. "Every match is a battle, and the league demands consistency over a gruelling 46-game season."
Why the Championship Stands Out
Stephan, who previously managed in France's Ligue 1 with Rennes and Strasbourg, pointed to several factors that make the Championship uniquely tough:
- Relentless Fixture List: With midweek games common, recovery time is minimal.
- Competitive Balance: Any team can beat another on a given day.
- Physical Demands: High-tempo football requires peak conditioning.
- Promotion Pressure: The prize of Premier League football drives extreme competitiveness.
"In other leagues, you might have three or four teams dominating, but here, anyone from 12-15 clubs could realistically push for promotion," he explained.
QPR's Ambitions Under Stephan
After taking charge at Loftus Road last season, Stephan is now focused on building a squad capable of thriving in this unforgiving environment. "We need players with character, resilience, and tactical flexibility," he said, hinting at potential transfer activity.
The Rs finished mid-table last campaign but will be hoping Stephan's experience can propel them up the table in what promises to be another fiercely contested Championship season.
