• Premier League

Barton blasts 'sulker' Taarabt

ESPNsoccernet staff
October 17, 2011
Joey Barton: 'If you're not prepared to work hard, you'll come up massively short' © PA Photos
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QPR captain Joey Barton says he is yet to see the so-called genius of team-mate Adel Taarabt and has urged the Moroccan to stop sulking and work harder.

Taarabt, who stormed out of Craven Cottage after being subbed against Fulham a fortnight ago, starred as QPR won promotion from the Championship last season - but doubts remain over his ability to make an impact in the Premier League.

The arrivals of Barton and Shaun Wright-Phillips at Loftus Road mean manager Neil Warnock now has other options available in midfield and Taarabt, 22, has reportedly become unsettled at the club.

And now Barton has blasted Taarabt's workrate and attitude. Barton said: "It's not a case of anybody giving him advice, it's whether it's taken on board.

"This is the top level of world football and if you're not prepared to work hard you'll come up massively short. If I was Adel and had his ability, I'd not want to be coming up short, having not worked hard enough.

"I came here and was told he was a genius and I'm yet to see it. I don't know whether it's because he does not work hard enough or whether he tends to sulk."

Taarabt, who scored 19 goals last season and attracted the interest of French club PSG in the summer, is yet to find the back of net this term.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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