QPR manager Mark Hughes insists there is no need for his players to go easy on Adel Taarabt.
The Moroccan is no stranger to being berated by team-mates, but he has noticeably continued taking flak during recent games despite arguably contributing more than some of his colleagues.
Skipper Joey Barton has seemed particularly quick to give Taarabt a piece of his mind, but Hughes said: “In the end, the only reason behind it is to help Adel and give him direction.
“On occasions during games people can get emotional and he knows that sometimes he makes the wrong decision – all players do.
“Joey, being the captain, has experience and Adel has to accept that there will be some occasions when he’s told that he’s done the wrong thing.
“That’s not just the case with Adel. All players do the wrong thing sometimes and as a footballer you have to accept you’ll be told when that happens and not take it to heart.
“Adel understands when he does things incorrectly. He’s learning all the time and I’ve been really impressed with what he’s produced.”
Taarabt was out of favour prior to Neil Warnock’s sacking as manager. Rangers tried to agree a deal with Paris St-Germain to offload him last summer and made it clear they were open to offers in Janaury.
But Hughes believes he can get the best out of the 22-year-old, who has not scored so far this season.
Hughes said: “The aim is to make sure that at Premier League level he can have a real impact.
“From what I’ve been told his work rate has improved since I’ve been here. That shows he wants to improve.
“I think with Adel we all acknowledge that he’s a fantastic talent, but it’s raw talent at the moment. He needs direction and that’s what he’s getting on a daily basis.”
Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook
This post was last modified on 08/03/2012
View Comments
Tarrabt has been better than Barton lately. Barton should shut it and focus on his own game, though we all know that wont happen.
I strongly disagree with Hughes! He is showing that slight amount of inexperience there! For sure taarabt has been better than most players and has been close to scoring, hitting the post several times! Joey Barton may have the experience but is not a captain, is not a role model like a captain should be and does not lead by example! We should give him a free transfer and then use that freed up £50k a week on Ali Faurlin! Look at Newcastle with and without Barton! Without him and his ridiculous thoughts, Newcastle are doing so much better!!!