Barton comments ´out of order´, says Warnock

Queens Park Rangers boss Neil Warnock has admitted that Joey Barton’s criticism of Adel Taarabt was ‘a little bit out of order’.

In the wake of his side’s 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, Barton voiced his doubts over the talent of starlet Taarabt, claiming he has yet to see evidence of his so-called ‘genius’.

The midfielder also raised concerns over the willingness of the former Tottenham man to work hard for the team as a whole.

Manager Warnock, though, conceded that Barton’s comments had overstepped the mark.

“What he is saying about Adel I think is a little bit out of order,” Warnock told ESPN’s Between the Lines.

“I think there are one or two lads in the team at the moment that could do better so sometimes you look elsewhere.”

“If he wants Adel to chase about and tackle and run, he is never going to be able to do that.”

Warnock refused to be drawn on whether Barton has a place to make such comments, but revealed he would be speaking to the former Newcastle man.

He continued: “I’ve not spoken to him. You’re just telling me what has been said.”

“I’ll probably have a chat with him and see what he actually said.”

Taarabt has shown only flashes of the brilliance he displayed last season when QPR took the Championship by storm, having failed to score in any of his side’s Premier League fixtures thus far.

Former Sheffield United boss Warnock has conceded in the past that it can be challenging to manage Taarabt’s precocious talent, but believes the right way is simply to let him get on with the things he does best with the ball at his feet.

“You’ve got to look at what he is good at and we would not be where we are now without him, without me looking at what he is good at,” Warnock said.

“Yes, he has not scored in the Premier League yet, he has not set the world alight but he has had opportunities and I think he will continue to do so.”

“Yes, he might not be able to crack it in the Premier League – even Adel doesn’t know that yet. He is only a young lad and you can forget that.

“I think he is trying very, very hard at the moment and the next few games will be interesting.”

“We’ve missed his contribution goal-wise and hopefully, if Joey plays really well and some of the other lads play really well, the opportunities for Adel will come.”