It was another hard training session for the squad this morning, with the normal two-hour work-out under the Portugal sun. Samba Diakite took part in his first session with the squad and seemed to impress his new team-mates, with Anton Ferdinand remarking: "That boy has got FEET," which we can take to mean the loan-arrival from Nancy has decent ball control - and he isn't short of pace either! Off the pitch, Diakite seems to have settled well and has been hanging around with Armand Traore, Adel Taarabt and Taye Taiwo. Meanwhile, Taarabt left Joey Barton open-mouthed with a fully-committed and perfectly-timed sliding tackle on Anton Ferdinand as the Moroccan continues to impress everyone with his work-rate since his return from the African Cup of Nations. A sporting contest has developed over the past 48 hours with Jamie Mackie and Barton taking on Shaun Derry and Clint Hill in a whole variety of challenges as 'points' are up for grabs. It seems battle-lines are drawn on anything from rugby drop-kicks to bowls! According to the R's skipper, himself and Mackie are clear leaders. And Barton appears to have picked up the nickname "The Natural" due to his natural ability at all sports. Rumours that he gave himself the tag are at this stage unconfirmed. There has been plenty of banter on the pitch too. At one stage this morning, striker Rob Hulse filled in at centre-back, and remarked afterwards: "The gaffer thought defence was my natural position I was playing so well!" Mackie responded: "Yeah, especially when you got forward and had a shot!" Particular credit goes to Mackie's professionalism for managing to complete the interview despite the "distractions" of Barton. Manager Mark Hughes said prior to the team's departure for the Algarve that he is keen to give the players the opportunity to bond away from the pitch. Early signs are that the short break is having the desired impact.
Here's the vid if you've got QPR iPlayer. It's a good watch. www.qpr.co.uk/articles/20120216/portugal-video-thursday_2264332_2613601
Taraabt knows he has to work hard to make sure we stay up - as that is his ticket to leave us in the summer, after impressing those who are watching in Europe. Which works out great for us, if he can raise the entire squad's levels for the remainder of the season to help us stay up.
"Meanwhile, Taarabt left Joey Barton open-mouthed with a fully-committed and perfectly-timed sliding tackle on Anton Ferdinand" Now THAT made me laugh out loud, anything that leaves Joey Barton eating his words will always put a smile on my face! Maybe he can learn a few things about commitment to the team from Adel hey? And who'd have though I'd have been able to say that a few months ago...?
News from Portugal: Anton Ferdinand has apparently commented on the new signing Samba Diakite, "That boy has got some FEET!" to which Mark Bircham enquired, "why are they Massive like side show Bob haha". No confirmation yet on the shoe size of Diakite...
Having watched the offish video, it seems Barton still thinks Adel has a lot to learn. You've some neck Joey. Actions and words. God, just don't like him a bit even though I've tryed, really hard.
a short taste on youtube... [video=youtube;1yuOiV2ltBc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yuOiV2ltBc&feature=youtube_gdata[/video]
