The footballing world has been paying tribute to Neil Warnock following his announcement that he is retiring from management last week. Warnock managed 16 different clubs across an incredible 43-year career.
The 73-year-old enjoyed a successful management career, managing over 1600 games, while also holding the record of the most Football League promotions.
He also guided three teams to Premier League promotion: Sheffield United, Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City.
Warnock’s last job in management was Middlesbrough, who he left in November by mutual consent.
Seen as an old-fashioned, tough, old- school type of manager, Warnock was known for his tough-love approach towards players, with made his relationship with former QPR player Adel Taarabt so interesting.
The Morocco international, who is currently playing with Portuguese side Benfica, signed for QPR in 2009, and caught the eye of fans with his flair and dribbling skills. He was instrumental in guiding QPR to the Premier League that season.
There was no doubting his talent, with 19 goals that season, which won Taarabt the Championship Player of the Season award. However, his professionalism and attitude was often brought into question, particularly when QPR were promoted to the Premier League.
Despite their opposite personalities, Taarabt played his best football under Warnock.
In an interview with TalkSport, Warnock revealed how he got the best out of Taarabt, despite warnings from coaching staff:
“We played West Brom in the first game, top of the league, and I went up to him and I said ‘Hey Adel, everyone says you’re going to get me the sack, everyone says that’s what you’ll do.
I said you know on Saturday, I’m going to play you against West Brom, and if you’re poor, I’m going to play you the next game
And if you’re poor the next game, I’m going to play you the next game, do you understand?’
He’s thinking 'if I’m poor how am I going to play every game?' I said ‘You’re going to win my things me things son, and I’m going to love having you.”
Warnock also says he wouldn't let Taarabt cross the halfway line to collect the ball from defense and instructed his back four not to pass to him inside their own half.
Neil Warnock on Adel Taarabt
🇲🇦 “I’m asking ‘who’s that?’ (Looking at Taarabt) & they said ‘He’ll get you sacked!’”
😳 “I went up to Taarabt and said ‘Everyone says you’re going to get me the sack!’”
🤣 “He said ‘No, no, no, no!’”
Neil Warnock tells us how he gave Adel Taarabt his chance at #QPR 👏😂 pic.twitter.com/z8kjmgiSp8— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) April 11, 2022
Since QPR, Taarabt played with the likes of AC Milan, Fulham and Genoa, but never hit the heights of his time in London.
However, he is now preparing to help Benfica make a comeback against Liverpool in the Champions League, where he has somewhat rejuvenated himself as a holding midfielder.
The 32-year-old made two assists at the weekend as Benfica ran out 3-1 winners against Belenenses.
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