‘My only obsession is the Premier League’ – Morocco’s Ilias Chair targets QPR return to top flight

Ilias Chair says his sole focus is driving Queens Park Rangers back to the Premier League, describing that ambition as his overriding obsession at this stage of his career.

The Morocco midfielder believes QPR are building something credible in the Championship, but insists the squad remains grounded despite encouraging league positioning and recent performances.

QPR sit ninth, three points outside the playoff places, a position that reflects steady progress rather than inflated expectation inside the dressing room, according to Chair.

He says the players understand their potential, but refuse to project too far ahead in a division defined by volatility and fine margins.

“I don’t think we are thinking about it like that,” Chair told Tribalfootball.com. “I think we just take it game by game.”

“So in this league there’s lots of ups and downs,” he said. “One day you can be challenging for promotion, the next minute you find yourself in a relegation fight.”

That realism has been reinforced by head coach Julien Stephan, who joined in the summer and is still embedding his tactical principles after replacing Marti Cifuentes.

Chair credits Stephan’s clarity and experience with helping QPR establish balance, particularly for attacking players tasked with decision-making under pressure.

“He’s had a great impact,” Chair said. “He’s a top coach he’s been with top clubs.”

“He gives me a lot of responsibility,” Chair explained. “And I like that. I’m a player who performs well under those circumstances.”

Chair has become a senior figure in a squad featuring several young players adjusting to the Championship’s physical and tactical demands.

Having spent nearly a decade at Loftus Road, he sees leadership as part of his duty to a club that shaped his professional journey.

“For me, I’ve been here for almost 10 years now so I try to help everyone,” he said.

“Honestly, QPR means everything to me,” he said. “They’ve given me my chance when no one would.”

“My only obsession is to see this club do well and reach the Premier League,” Chair added. “And I will be doing everything in my power to accomplish that mission.”