Queens Park Rangers playmaker Adel Taarabt is torn between club and country but has hinted he will go to the Africa Cup of Nations. With QPR languishing at the foot of the Premier League table and still in search of their first victory of the season, Harry Redknapp had been hoping to keep key men at his disposal in the New Year. Taarabt is considered to be crucial to the club's bid to retain to their top-flight status, with the enigmatic forward possessing match-winning ability. He will, however, miss a number of important fixtures if he links up with Morocco to compete for the biggest prize in African football. Taarabt admits he has a tough call to make, with a big decision set to leave one group of supporters and coaches frustrated. He said: "It's a difficult decision because the manager asked if I could stay. "I would love to but it's my country so if I say 'No', everybody at home will think I don't want to play - so I think I will go. "I go to Morocco every summer. If they don't do well, the fans will have a go at me and I don't want that." http://www.teamtalk.com/premier-lea...inted-he-will-go-to-the-Africa-Cup-of-Nations
Tough call? Decision made more-like! To be fair, if he pulled out there would be a riot over there, they take it very seriously.
I would like Adel to stay also but how would you feel if let say Rooney decided he'll not play for England so he can rest and help Utd to win Champions league. Honest response?
It could get nasty if he pulls out, they have the ability to prevent him from playing for us for the duration of the ACON.
Respect his wishes, playing for your country is the ultimate. Don't blame him, just hope they're knocked out early!
That's not a reasonable comparison, EP. Taarabt won't be resting if he doesn't go. He'll be playing games for us at one of the most critical times in the club's history. To save it from relegation, not to win a cup. And what status does ACON have? It's not the World Cup, or even equivalent to the European Cup It's held EVERY year. He should pass this exceptional year. I'll think the less of him if he goes.
I don't think we will suffer as Hoilette will fill the gap and will finally get the room and game time he so obviously needs, could be a positive.
I was thinking if World cup was taking place along with Champions league and he decide to ditch his country. ACON should be like 4 years tournament and not every year I agree but Morrocan (spelling) don't give a fu.ck about QPR. They'll surely give him hard time. Hard decision
After being labelled by Harry as the man on the edge of the box picking his nose when the first Wigan goal was scored, I wouldn't be surprised if he has a strop and leaves us for the ACON. What about Diakite?
With so many midfielders in our squad it'd be a brave move to go now, especially with all the talk there was over whether or not Harry would play him in the first place. Maybe we'll finally be able to play Granero, Faurlin, Diakite and M'bia in the same team, although I'm not too sure how that's work. Maybe Dyer to replace him if he's fit.
The ACON is held every two years, it was played last year and this year only so they could play it in odd numbered years so it does not clash with the same year of the World Cup. As someone who has written and covered the tournament since 1996 I can tell you that it is the pinnacle of African Soccer and IS followed quite seriously by fans of the nations taking part. It is like the Euro's for them and if Adel was to miss it then it may not look good on him from the moroccan fans. But then again Adel is always in and out of the side. It's his call and everyone should respect his decision IMO.
We are strong in that area, hope he goes. I also think this and I am not sure why maybe more i feel it ... I think he will go to Man Utd, it is more or less common knowledge that they are watching him... and if that happens we could be about to see a new Canatona era in this league. It will cause a storm no doubt and he will be slated by many but I sincerely haven't seen a better footballer with the ball at his feet for many many years. Weird because I want him to stay but I sense he may go and TBH we can't blame him as he will be a major force in European I am certain of that ... we will end up with a Parker type of player in there
With his temperament I don't see Adel taking kindly to the club laying down the law and trying to force him to stay. Any other players off to the ACON? Diakite, Mbia or Traore? Joey Barton?
Goldie, I think you should be more objective here. What if John Terry said he wasn't going to play for England because he preferred Chelsea over his Country? Certainly some on here would be calling for his hanging!! Besides, he's not done an awful lot for us again this season even though he has improved to be fair to him. It would free up a space in the squad and allow us to bring back Campbell or someone else. Also, Ephraim could take his place. Harry certainly won't be losing any sleep over him going!
