Redknapp future uncertain after QPR chairman criticises manager
QPR manager Harry Redknapp’s future looks increasingly uncertain after chairman Tony Fernandes last night publicly criticised his handling of a spat with out-of-favour midfielder Adel Taarabt.
Fernandes also censured Taarabt, but it was his expression of disappointment in Redknapp’s behaviour that raised eyebrows, with the veteran boss already odds-on to be the next top-flight coach to depart.
The AirAsia chief executive’s statement came after Redknapp issued the latest salvo in a tit-for-tat exchange between him and Taarabt over the Moroccan player’s fitness.
“We are fully aware of stories in the press over the last few days regarding Harry Redknapp and Adel Taarabt,” said Fernandes.
“We regret these issues being played out in public and both Harry Redknapp and Adel Taarabt have been notified of our disappointment regarding their handling of the situation. I have spoken to them both personally.
“On behalf of the club, I would like to apologise to the QPR supporters for the embarrassment this has caused and confirm that the issue has been dealt with internally.
“The club’s entire focus is now on the Aston Villa fixture next Monday and hopefully after a tough few days we can turn a negative into a positive and build on Sunday’s improved display.”
Redknapp had earlier labelled Taarabt “the worst professional I’ve come across” yesterday as the Premier League basement dwellers’ mud-slinging continued.
The former Tottenham boss also alleged that Taarabt had only slimmed down due to a bout of tonsillitis, in response to the player publicly refuting his previous claims that he was three stones overweight in a newspaper interview.