Adel Taarabt Is No Long-Term Solution For AC Milan

Seven minutes into his AC Milan debut Saturday and Adel Taarabtwas already showing the Milanista exactly why he had been brought in on loan from Queens Park Rangers, bursting towards the Napoli defence and despatching a precise shot past Pepe Reina to lead at the San Paolo.

However, with the Rossoneri failing to improve upon that early lead, eventually suffering a 3-1 defeat, his impressive arrival onto Italian shores almost encapsulates his career to date.

A career that will leave fans wondering if he can actually have a long-term future with the club.

Desperate to improve their current league position, the Moroccan international is certainly capable of giving Clarence Seedorf’s side the creativity to win valuable points and provide a much need moral boost to fans and teammates.

With a swagger and directness like that displayed by fellow Premier League flopGervinho on his arrival in Serie A last summer, the former Tottenham man’s skill with the ball will strike a similar fear into most opposing defenders he faces.

The way in which the Napoli defence retreated at the threat of the 24-year-old box of tricks bearing down on them had a certain deja vu of what many have witnessed the Ivorian undertaking this term and it is something that Milan and many others in Serie A do not possess in great quantities.

Robinho has been off-form since before Christmas and with Stephan El-Shaarawy a long-term absentee, the attacking threat at the San Siro of Mario Balotelli, Keisuke Honda andGiampaolo Pazzini is, albeit talented, somewhat static.

However, despite his immediate impact, the Rossoneri have (possibly out of necessity) made a shrewd decision in acquiring Taarabt on loan with his habit of fading once he has established himself as an integral member of the team and secured a transfer.

This was certainly the case at parent club QPR where, after 26 goals in 88 appearances to gain promotion to the Premier League, he wilted under the pressure of the top tier and gave sporadic glimpses of his undoubted qualities, arguably upset by the arrival of some big names and the club were relegated in their second season.

Even when ignoring his failure to break through at Tottenham, the inability to thrive at the highest level and alongside supposed ‘bigger names’, raises even more questions of his long-term suitability. This will be even more prominent at Milan, where Balotelli and Kaka are worldwide names and a Scudetto challenge is a minimum requirement.

The former Lens youth prospect could not even secure a first-team place while on loan at bottom clubFulham earlier this season, yet will be expected to give the Rossoneri hope that they can overcome high flying Atletico Madrid in their upcoming Champions League clash.

While the Moroccan may show several more examples of his undoubted natural ability this season during their attempts to overhaul a seven point gap between them and neighbours Inter and secure European qualification, fans should appreciate him for the short-term spark he may help create.  But even with age on his side, Milan will need a much better options in the forthcoming years to become a force again.

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QPR players to decide Taarabt's fate

ADEL Taarabt could be fined for petulant behaviour in the future – but QPR boss Neil Warnock will let his squad decide how much.

In the week dominated by the John Terry-Anton Ferdinand saga, the other major talking point was Taarabt’s peevish reaction to being substituted during Sunday’s 1-0 win over Chelsea, and comments insisting a move to Paris St German is still on in January.

Warnock’s patience with the mercurial talent set to face old club Spurs on Sunday has already been stretched to the limit. But the manager revealed he has never fined the player, although there are plenty who now can.

“There used to be no code of conduct until this season,” the manager explained. “Everything of that sort was done on a willy-nilly basis.

“But the senior players went away, drew up their own list, and if they want to fine Adel, they can.”

The manager actually increased penalties on a few points, and gave a glimpse to the code when he revealed anyone daft enough to wear an earring on the training pitch is going to be £50 lighter.

Warnock added: “Players would never fine each other as much as a manager, so I’ve added a bit more here and there.

“But as regards him wanting away, Adel can go. He knows that. And personally, I’ve no got no problem with him showing he’s unhappy.

"But if he ever gesticulates in a manner that would not sit favourably with fans, players or management – then he’s in for it.”

Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/london-qpr/2011/10/28/qpr-players-to-decide-taarabt-s-fate-82029-29675551/#ixzz1c6MEXqyO

Neil Warnock takes issue with Joey Barton's comments on Adel Taarabt

The Queens Park Rangers manager Neil Warnock believes Joey Barton's comments about team-mate Adel Taarabt were a "little bit out of order" and will speak to his captain about them.

After Saturday's 1-1 draw with Blackburn, Barton told Absolute Radio that the Morocco international needed to buck up his ideas. The former Newcastle midfielder also admitted he has yet to see Taarabt's so-called "genius", all of which Warnock feels was a bit harsh.

"What he is saying about Adel I think is a little bit out of order," he told ESPN's Between the Lines. "I think there is one or two lads in the team at the moment that could do better so sometimes you look elsewhere.

"If he wants Adel to chase about and tackle and run, he is never going to be able to do that."

Asked if it was Barton's place to make such comments, Warnock retorted: "I've not spoken to him. You're just telling me what has been said. I'll probably have a chat with him [today] and see what he actually said."

QPR face a tough run of fixtures starting with a west London derby against Chelsea at Loftus Road this Sunday. They then face a trip to Tottenham before welcoming Manchester City, against whom Warnock believes Taarabt could prove the difference.

"If you looked at what Adel is not good at, you wouldn't touch him with a barge pole," he said. "You've got to look at what he is good at and we would not be where we are now without him, without me looking at what he is good at.

"Yes, he might not be able to crack it in the Premier League. Even Adel doesn't know that yet. He is only a young lad. You forget he is a young kid really.

"I think he is trying very, very hard at the moment and the next few games will be interesting. I think when you're playing the top clubs you need that something special to win you games.

"We've missed his contribution goal-wise and hopefully, if Joey plays really well and some of the other lads play really well, the opportunities for Adel will come."

He added: "If Adel gets an opportunity and plays well he is an asset to anybody in that league. Yes, he has not scored in the Premier League yet, he has not set the world alight but he has had opportunities and I think [he will continue to do so]."

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Taarabt can leave Loftus Road if he wants to go, claims QPR boss Warnock

QPR manager Neil Warnock has told Adel Taarabt and the rest of his squad that they are free to leave the club if they want to. 

Rangers have had to deal with speculation linking clubs with moves for their star players since their promotion to the Barclays Premier League, with talisman Taarabt the main subject of such reports. 

The midfielder allegedly fuelled the flames further while on international duty with Morocco, with reports emerging that he told the media he wanted to leave QPR in January for financial reasons. 

Paris match? Adel Taarabt (right) has been linked with a move to PSG

Warnock has taken the comments 'with a pinch of salt' but admitted that Taarabt, like the rest of his squad, was free to leave the west Londoners if he so desired. 

'He has not said anything to me [about wanting to leave],' Warnock said, speaking ahead of Saturday's clash with Blackburn. 'I do take it with a pinch of salt when they go abroad [and reports come out]. 

'It is only six weeks since Adel said he would never play for his country again and then he scores a goal and kisses the coach. That's Adel. You take everything with a pinch of a salt. 

'My message is the same with every player at the club, not just Adel. If a player wants to leave, he can leave. I've never had a problem with that.

Calling Adel's bluff? Neil Warnock (left)

'But for all the talk of the offers we had, I never saw an allegedly massive offer from Paris St Germain. I know what they offered and by the time we paid Tottenham [their share of the deal] we would have been left with peanuts. 

'I think it is just in his court, really. If he wants to get the move that allegedly he has talked about, the best way of doing that is playing well.'

As well as being the subject of reports during the international break, Taarabt took up a large chunk of column inches in the aftermath of QPR's 6-0 defeat at Fulham. 

The 22-year-old reportedly stormed out of Craven Cottage after being replaced at half-time and came face to face with his manager for the first time since the match. 

While admitting words with Taarabt were needed, Warnock rejected the notion that he was contradicting himself by protecting the midfielder after recent criticism of Manchester City's Carlos Tevez. 

'I think that is between me and him now,' he said. 'I am going to speak to him today and that's how it goes. 

'I think if you have ever sat in Fulham's dressing room and you are 3-0 down at half-time, I don't think I'd want to stay there if I am honest. 

Storm: The Moroccan (centre) walked out at half-time of the 6-0 defeat at Fulham

'He has just got to realise that when you are in the spotlight like we all are you have to think a little bit further than the instant reaction. 

'I wouldn't put Adel in the same [category] as Tevez, although I think he wishes he is on his money.'

Meanwhile, QPR have confirmed that Patrick Agyemang has joined Millwall on a one-month loan deal.

The 31-year-old striker moves to The Den after he was left out of Rangers' 25-man Premier League squad. 

Agyemang started two of QPR's first three league matches this season but summer signings such as DJ Campbell, Jay Bothroyd, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jason Puncheon have since pushed him well down the pecking order at Loftus Road. 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2048703/Adel-Taarabt-quit-QPR-wants--Neil-Warnock.html#ixzz1ahD6kjoY

Adel Taarabt doesn't worry Neil Warnock

Neil Warnock said today Adel Taarabt can carry on being a law unto himself. The Queens Park Rangers manager gave his backing despite the forward's walk out after being substituted during the 6-0 thrashing by Fulham 11 days ago.

After storming out of Craven Cottage, Taarabt, still dressed in a QPR tracksuit, caught the bus home to the astonishment of fans waiting at the bus stop.

Warnock plans to speak with Taarabt today on his return from international duty in Marrakech, where he scored in a 3-1 win over Tanzania to help Moroccoreach the finals of the African Cup of Nations.

Ahead of that meeting the manager said: "I just think the lads here know what Adel is. I don't think anybody else can be like that. Adel is Adel and we'll accept what he is. Sometimes you don't realise what you've got until you lose it and you should be careful what you wish for."

Taarabt has been quoted as saying that he would have to leave in January because of finance but Warnock is not reading too much into those comments.

The manager said: "It will be very interesting to see where he is in five years. I have my own ideas. But he doesn't affect our spirit - it would do if it was only a Joe Bloggs. But all the group that have built up in the last 18 months accept him for what he is.

"I take that quote about him wanting to leave with a pinch of salt. It's only six weeks since Adel said he'd never play for his country again. Now he's scored a goal for Morocco and kisses the coach! That's Adel - you take everything with a pinch of salt."

Taarabt was key in QPR's Championship-winning campaign last season but there were reports over the summer of a link with Paris St-Germain, who are now bankrolled by the Qatar Investment Authority.

"If he wants to leave, he can leave. I've never had a problem with that, concerning players," added Warnock, whose side host Blackburn in the Premier League on Saturday.

"But all the talk of offers we've had, I never saw a serious one from PSG in Franceand with what we would have had to pay Tottenham, we'd have been left with peanuts."

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Taarabt happy with return

Queens Park Rangers star Adel Taarabt revealed his delighted after helping Morocco to the African Cup of Nations on his international return.

Taarabt had been at loggerheads with coach Eric Gerets, but he was recalled for their clash with Tanzania.

And on his return he fired home a brilliant free-kick in their 3-1 win - which booked their spot in next year's finals.

"I am very happy," Taarabt told skysports.com.

"You saw how I celebrated the goal with coach Eric Gerets, who has been very understanding with me.

"I dedicate that goal to him, he gave me another chance to show my worth to my country and I am very proud of that."

Taarabt now feels Morocco have a great chance of winning in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, especially as the likes of Egypt, Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa and Algeria all failing to qualify.

"We are going to the competition [ACN] with confidence with so many big teams absent I think we have a great chance," said Taaraby.

"The only outstanding team there is Ghana, the Ivory Coast have the outstanding individuals, on their day they will beat each one of us, but we have our chances."

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Warnock - Taarabt no problem

Neil Warnock has defended Adel Taarabt following the playmaker's reaction to his half-time substitution in Queens Park Rangers' heavy 6-0 defeat to Fulham on Sunday.

Taarabt was reportedly photographed leaving Craven Cottage at the interval after he was substituted, although the Moroccan has told Sky Sports News that was not the case.

QPR boss Warnock has also denied allegations that the pair argued, insisting he was not bothered by Taarabt's behaviour.

Warnock told The Independent: "It doesn't bother me. The dressing rooms at Craven Cottage are in one corner of the ground, the bench is on the halfway line on the far side of the pitch. I'm not going to insist he walks 60 yards just to sit and watch us lose."

Rangers were already 3-0 down before the manager sacrificed both Taarabt and Shaun Derry in a bid to plug his leaking defence.

"At half-time I was more concerned with my defence," continued Warnock. "I said: 'Dessie, you're off, and you are as well Adel.' That was it.

"People talk about him storming off. I didn't even know he'd gone. And he certainly didn't go to the pub for a pint as some have reported - he's a Muslim and doesn't drink.

"They want to be careful he doesn't sue them for saying that."

Meanwhile, fellow substitute Derry stayed to watch the remainder of the match with Warnock highlighting Taarabt's temperamental track record.

"They are different people" added Warnock. "Adel is young and emotional. He does these things.

"Last year he said he'd never play for Morocco again after he was made substitute in a game. Guess where he is now? Heading for Morocco to play for them.

"I'll see him at training when we get back and, with the rest of the team, we'll start preparing for the next match at Blackburn. My main concern at the moment is which defenders we'll have fit and available, not Adel.

"You're going to get days when Adel throws his toys out of the pram, that isn't a worry for me, I'd have more problem if someone was happy being subbed."

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