Harry Redknapp insists he doesn’t have a problem with Adel Taarabt, who he is prepared to welcome back into the fold at Queens Park Rangers.
The Loftus Road boss launched a startling verbal attack on the Moroccan last week, calling him the worst professional he has ever worked with and accusing him of being three stone overweight. The player responded by posing on the back of a tabloid newspaper with his shirt off, clearly showing that any excess body fat he may be carrying could be described as minimal.
Due to this spat it has been suggested that Taarabt, who spent last season on loan at Fulham and AC Milan, would soon be leaving the club on a permanent basis. However, Redknapp has now attempted to calm the storm, revealing that he holds no grudges against the playmaker and that he is prepared to involve him in his first team plans as soon as he regains full fitness.
“I don’t hold grudges,” Redknapp said ahead of the clash with Aston Villa on Monday evening. “He got pushed into writing a load of stuff that wasn’t true. I don’t think he’s been fined and I wouldn’t want to fine him. I’ve always been a manager where people go, ‘You do love a problem player’. Yes, I have. The big difference is the ones I’ve had before keep producing on the pitch.
“Unfortunately at the moment Adel needs to produce. He’s got great talent. He could be an incredible, incredible footballer. The only person that can help Adel is himself. I like him as a boy. I have a good relationship with him. He is a fantastic talent and I need him playing. I would love him to be fit. No one will be more pleased if he gets himself fit and back in the team. I’d be delighted.”
Taarabt played a huge role when QPR were promoted to the Premier League back in 2010-11, scoring 19 goals in 44 Championship appearances under Neil Warnock. However, the former Tottenham Hotspur youngster has failed to produce anything like his best form in recent seasons, and despite Redknapp’s words, it remains to be seen if he needs to move on for a fresh start.
Should Redknapp place more faith in Taarabt, or is it time for the player to move on? Let us know what you think by joining in with the discussion below.
