Stephan's candid forum explains why Rayan Kolli stays out

At Loftus Road, QPR supporters gathered for a live fans' forum as manager Julien Stephan addressed the puzzling absence of 21‑year‑old striker Rayan Kolli, who despite scoring six in all competitions last season has not featured in any of the eight league matches.

QPR's early season surge

QPR sit sixth in the Championship as the first international break of the campaign arrives, having lost only once in eight league games, a narrow defeat to Middlesbrough. The club’s form marks a very good start to Julien Stephan’s second campaign in the dugout, especially after four seasons of never finishing higher than 15th and only one top‑ten finish in the 11 years since their relegation to the EFL Championship.

Kolli's goal tally and current sidelining

Twenty‑one‑year‑old Rayan Kolli, who netted six in all competitions last season and five the year before, has not featured in any matchday squad this term, despite his five Championship goals last season coming from just ten shots on target and an expected‑goals figure of 2.96. Manager Julien Stephan has preferred Alfie Lloyd and 17‑year‑old Leon Scarlett, who earned their places after Richard Kone’s recent injury, leaving Kolli on the bench for every game.

Stephan's transparency and fan response

At the Loftus Road forum, Stephan told supporters, “The situation is very clear for Rayan, like with the other players; my door is always open.” He added that the club must “bridge the gap between the best teams and us” by putting “standouts” on the field and demanding full involvement and daily work from every player.

FLW fan pundit Louis Moir praised the manager’s honesty, saying “Stephan was spot on when he came out and had that passionate outburst.” Moir expressed frustration that Kolli “isn't matching the rest of the squad when it comes to togetherness and work ethic” and lamented that “it would make sense to have him playing” given his clinical finishing.

QPR chief executive officer Christian Nourry revealed that Kolli almost left on loan during the summer, but the striker rejected several options he deemed unsuitable. He felt the proposed destinations would not aid his development, so he chose to remain at the club.

Behind the report, freelance writer Sam graduated from the University of Salford with a First Class Broadcast Journalism degree and has written for the Northern Premier League, various Leeds United blogs, and produced media work for Stockport County, Wigan Athletic and Salford City, making him well‑versed across the entire 72 clubs. “Show me the facts,” he wrote, later adding “Give me a lighthearted recap,” while “Action Images” punctuated the story’s visual narrative.

QPR currently rank fourth‑most shots on target per game in the Championship and generate play‑off‑level big chances and xG, meaning a striker of Kolli’s clinical edge would further boost an already promising season.