England: Rayan Kolli sidelined by QPR, the coach speaks out.

Sep 22, 2026

Rayan Kolli is going through a tough time at Queens Park Rangers. The young Algerian forward, who ended the previous season on a positive note, has yet to be selected to play for the first team this season. The London club's staff explains that the player must now adapt to new demands.

Regarded as one of the most promising young talents of his generation, Rayan Kolli is currently struggling to find his place in the Queens Park Rangers rotation. At just 21 years old, his situation is also affecting his future with the national team, as he was not called up by coach Rafik Saïfi during the last gathering.

It is true that the Algerian finished the 2025-2026 season positively, with convincing performances that could have attracted the attention of other clubs during the summer transfer window. However, his future took an unexpected turn after discussions with QPR management regarding his playing time.

When asked about this situation, club president Christian Noury stated that Kolli expressed his dissatisfaction with his number of appearances at the end of the season. “During our meeting with Rayan in May, he shared his frustration regarding the playing time he had during the 25-26 season. He also mentioned that if it was not possible to get more guarantees for the 26-27 season, he might consider exploring other options this summer,” he said.

According to the English executive, the club then worked with the player's representatives to find a solution in the form of a loan. “Rayan had six or seven different opportunities, some in England and others abroad. In the end, he felt that none of these options matched what he was looking for at that time,” Noury clarified.

For his part, coach Julien Stéphan emphasized that the door remains open for the Algerian forward while reminding him of the team's requirements. “My door is always open. I appreciate Rayan just like the other players. However, I cannot guarantee a place for anyone. The only thing I can promise is to help them, support them, and give my best for them,” the French technician explained.

For Stéphan, returning to the squad depends primarily on daily commitment. “Involvement, dedication, and hard work are non-negotiable. That’s the only thing I want to see on the field,” he asserted.

The QPR coach also cited the example of young Leon Scarlett, who was recently given a starting position despite being only 17, to illustrate that opportunities are available to deserving players. “Why did I choose to put Leon Scarlett on the field? Because he deserved it. He proved during training that it was the right time for him. There is never any coincidence. Football is logical: when you deserve it, you get it,” he concluded.

In the meantime, Kolli is striving to regain his place. Coming on as a substitute for the QPR academy team against Bolton on Monday, he scored a goal, a first encouraging sign for hoping to return to his coach's plans and reignite his ambition to one day join the national team.

Christian Nourry and Julien Stephan on the Rayan Kolli situation at the Fans’ Forum tonight.#QPR | #QPRDS pic.twitter.com/E38SpZYnG7

— (C) QPR Development Squad News (@QPR_DS) September 16, 2026

DZfoot