Is this what Chelsea fans have been waiting for? 7m flop Marin launches into horror challenge 4 minutes into first league start

Is this what Chelsea fans have been waiting for Marin launches into horror challenge… just four minutes into his first league start, and SIX MONTHS after joining for 7m

By
Frank Foster

PUBLISHED:

21:40 GMT, 2 January 2013

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UPDATED:

22:14 GMT, 2 January 2013

Chelsea winger Marko Marin was lucky to escape a red card in the
opening stages of his first Premier League start against QPR on Wednesday night.

The former Werder Bremen man has struggled to break into
the first team at Stamford Bridge since his 7m move to the European
champions in the summer.

And he was fortunate not to heading back to the dressing room after only four minutes against relegation strugglers QPR.

Lucky boy: Marin was only cautioned after flying into a studs up challenge on Stephane Mbia

Lucky boy: Marin was only cautioned after flying into a studs up challenge on Stephane Mbia


Fringe player: The German international has struggled to make an impact for his new side since his 7m move in the summer

Fringe player: The German international has struggled to make an impact for his new side since his 7m move in the summer

Having lost control of the ball on the right hand side, the German lunged at Stephane Mbia with all studs showing.

Despite the severity of the challenge referee Lee Mason opted to only produce a yellow card, a decision that would surely have angered QPR boss Harry Redknapp as his side looked to enhance their chances of survival with a victory at Stamford Bridge.

For all the world though it looked like Mbia was lucky to
escape a serious injury and the commentary team on 5 live were convinced
that the tackle deserved a sending off.

Referee Lee Mason decided only to show Marin a yellow card for the challenge

Referee Lee Mason decided only to show Marin a yellow card for the challenge

Robbie Savage said the player should certainly have been sent off. And former Tottenham boss David Pleat said: ‘It’s reckless, he’s
lucky.'

Having not appeared in the league since Chelsea's goalless draw with
Fulham on November 28, Marin has been rumoured to be close to
loan switch back to the Bundesliga with Beyer Levekusen.

The presence of fellow new boys Eden Hazard, Oscar and Victor Moses
have limited the opportunities for Marin to make an impact for Rafa Benitez' side.

It has been reported in recent weeks that the 23-year-old is set to join Beyer Levekusen on loan this month

It has been reported in recent weeks that the 23-year-old is set to join Beyer Levekusen on loan this month

Injuries have also played a part in the 23-year-old's lack of playing
time and while stressing he sees his future as a Chelsea player, the
German did not entirely rule out a loan move in the January transfer
window.

'I could imagine a loan deal,' he said. 'It could be
an ideal option to get me playing more regularly and help me with my
general development.

'But I think at this time it is out of the question
and I won’t be heading back to the Bundesliga.'

Marin's miserable start to life at Chelsea continued when he was substituted for Hazard after a n hour of the match, which QPR surprisingly won 1-0.

Joe Cole latest: West Ham to beat QPR to Liverpool flop

He's coming home! Kop flop Cole set to chose West Ham over old boss Harry at QPR

By
Matt Fortune

PUBLISHED:

14:36 GMT, 2 January 2013

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UPDATED:

15:06 GMT, 2 January 2013

West Ham are confident they can beat QPR to the permanent signing of Joe Cole from Liverpool, and want him back at Upton Park in time for the weekend FA Cup tie with Manchester United.

The midfielder has endured a torrid two and a half years since leaving Chelsea, and was farmed out on a season-long loan deal to Lille last season.

Cole's the goal: West Ham look set to beat QPR to the signing of Joe Cole

Cole's the goal: West Ham look set to beat QPR to the signing of Joe Cole

He returned with the hope of forcing himself into Brendan Rodgers' plans, but has once again fallen short of expectation.

Sources at Liverpool are hopeful a deal can be agreed for the severance from the 18 months left on Cole's 90,000-per-week deal. If West Ham want Cole to play this weekend, he must be registered by midday on Friday.

Last week, Harry Redknapp admitted his interest in luring the former England international to Loftus Road

Favourite: Cole broke through at West Ham as a teenager and is still popular

Favourite: Cole broke through at West Ham as a teenager and is still popular

Favourite: Cole broke through at West Ham as a teenager and is still popular

'I’ve got a lot of time for Joe as a
player and as a person,' said Redknapp, of the player who have him his
competitive debut in 1998. 'I’d like to bring Joe here if I can but the
deal would have to be right for the club.

'We couldn’t do a deal as it [Cole’s
wages] is at Liverpool. I’ll have to speak to Brendan Rodgers. We’ll
have a chat when the time’s right.'

But now the Hammers, Cole's first
club, have jumped ahead of their London rivals in the race for a player
with 56 international caps to his name.

The No 26 shirt, worn by Cole during his time in east London is currently vacant in Sam Allardyce's squad.

But what will Harry say: Cole get his chance under old boss Redknapp

But what will Harry say: Cole get his chance under old boss Redknapp

DJ Campbell to return to QPR

Harry hoping DJ can put QPR in a spin with striker set to return from Ipswich

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UPDATED:

12:23 GMT, 31 December 2012

Harry Redknapp is hoping that DJ Campbell can help fire QPR to safety when he returns from a three-month loan spell at Ipswich this week.

Campbell’s Hoops career appeared to be over under Mark Hughes as he was frozen out the first-team squad and then sent to Portman Road on a temporary basis in October.

In a spin: DJ Campbell is heading back to Loftus Road in January after shining on loan at Ipswich

In a spin: DJ Campbell is heading back to Loftus Road in January after shining on loan at Ipswich

But a run of 10 goals in 16 games for Mick McCarthy’s Championship strugglers has seen the 31-year-old catch the eye and he will be thrust back into Rangers’ Premier League squad on his return to Loftus Road.

With both Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson out with long-term injuries Djibril Cisse and Jamie Mackie are the only fit strikers currently available to Redknapp.

The former Spurs boss is expected to bring in a frontman to bolster QPR’s survival bid once the transfer window opens but Campbell’s services will still be required as Rangers look to haul themselves to safety.

Welcome him back with open arms: QPR boss Harry Redknapp needs to bolster his attacking options

Welcome him back with open arms: QPR boss Harry Redknapp needs to bolster his attacking options

Harry Redknapp in talks with Liverpool over taking Joe Cole on loan to QPR

Redknapp in talks over taking Cole on loan with a view to buy… if QPR stay up

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UPDATED:

22:45 GMT, 30 December 2012

Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp is closing in on a reunion with Joe Cole.

Sportsmail revealed the Loftus Road club’s interest in Cole on November 30 and Rangers have now opened talks with Liverpool — who beat them 3-0 — over a January switch for the midfielder, 31, who was given his professional debut by Redknapp at West Ham in 1998.

London-bound: Joe Cole has started talks with QPR about a loan move in January

London-bound: Joe Cole has started talks with QPR about a loan move in January

Redknapp is hoping to seal a loan deal ahead of a permanent move if Rangers avoid relegation.

But if Cole and Liverpool agree a severance package for the 18 months left on his 90,000-per-week deal, he could join permanently next month.

Fresh faced: Harry Redknapp and Cole in 1999

Fresh faced: Harry Redknapp and Cole in 1999

QPR won"t sell players in January, says Harry Redknapp

Sell in January I can't afford to! QPR need all help they can get, says Harry

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UPDATED:

15:31 GMT, 28 December 2012

Harry Redknapp admits he can’t afford to offload any players in the January transfer window because QPR need all the help they can get.

QPR are rock bottom of the table and six points from safety after losing to West Brom on Boxing Day. Despite former manager Mark Hughes signing 12 new players in the summer, Redknapp is expected to bring in several new faces before the end of the window next month.

But the ex-Spurs boss denied that Sunday’s clash with Liverpool for some of his existing squad to prove themselves.

Not for sale: QPR boss Harry Redknapp insists he can't afford to sell any of his players during the January transfer windowNot for sale: QPR boss Harry Redknapp insists he can't afford to sell any of his players during the January transfer window

Not for sale: QPR boss Harry Redknapp insists he can't afford to sell any of his players during the January transfer window

‘I won’t be looking to get rid of anybody,’ said Redknapp.

‘On the bench the other day had a young kid there so we are certainly not overloaded. We’ve got some long term injuries, so I can’t be suddenly getting people out of here without getting some in. I’m not looking to shift people out quickly until I can get people in.’

He added: ‘I would not bring people in if I didn’t think they could do a job for us. There’s no point bringing players in for the sake of it. I have got to get people in the right positions who I think can help it. If I can’t I may as well sit tight.’

After a decent start that saw QPR pick up their first win of the season at home to Fulham after two draws, Redknapp’s side have now slumped to successive defeats. And after taking over at Portsmouth, Southampton and Spurs in similar positions, the 65-year-old believes saving the west Londoners from the drop is a much tougher proposition.

Rock bottom: QPR face a fight for survival in the Premier League

Rock bottom: QPR face a fight for survival in the Premier League

‘I didn’t expect it to happen quickly – you are talking about two different football clubs,' he said.

‘How Spurs were in that position in first place I will never know, but there was only eight games gone, and they had a fantastic squad. It’s different here, we had gone 13 games without a win, it was always going to be harder. No one has got a magic wand, I don’t care who you are, I have said it a million times in the past – you go to clubs and you change players around.

‘I knew it was going to be difficult. And it’s been no more difficult than I expected,’ Redknapp added.

‘But we are still in there, the transfer window is coming, if we can get one or two in, we give ourselves a chance still. That is where I am.’

Jose Bosingwa sickened QPR team-mates Ryan Nelsen and Clint Hill, says Harry Redknapp

You're a disgrace! Bosingwa blasted by his own sickened QPR team-mates

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UPDATED:

13:35 GMT, 26 December 2012

Jose Bosingwa has been slammed by his QPR team-mates for refusing to sit on the bench during their win over Fulham earlier this month.

The former Chelsea right-back’s strop resulted in a fine of two weeks’ wages (130,000) and he has also left his future with the club in jeopardy.

Manager Harry Redknapp is furious with the 30-year old, and didn’t hesitate to reveal what his disgusted other players thought of Bosingwa’s behaviour.

Disgrace: Jose Bosingwa refused to sit on the bench for QPR

Disgrace: Jose Bosingwa refused to sit on the bench for QPR

‘The good lads would be sick,’ he told the Fulham and Hammersmith Chronicle.

‘There might be one or two of his pals who might think ‘Well, you know,’ but the Ryan Nelsens and Clint Hills and all the good lads all thought it was a disgrace.

‘That’s the first time it’s ever happened to me as a manager and I’ve managed some pretty temperamental players. I’ve never known anyone to do that.

Good lads: Ryan Nelsen (right) and Clint Hill were among those disgusted, revealed Harry Redknapp

Good lads: Ryan Nelsen (right) and Clint Hill were among those disgusted, revealed Harry Redknapp

‘It was something new to me and not something I like.’

QPR want to offload Bosingwa this January but given the player’s high wage demands – Chelsea declined the opportunity to take up the extra year on offer on his contract in the summer – he may be low on bidders.

Adel Taarabt will stay with QPR after missing Africa Cup of Nations

Huge boost for Redknapp in relegation scrap as QPR star Taarabt misses Africa Cup of Nations

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UPDATED:

13:58 GMT, 26 December 2012

Adel Taarabt has not been included in the Morocco squad for the Africa Cup of Nations – answering QPR boss Harry Redknapp’s prayers.

Last week the playmaker defiantly announced he would travel in the event of being picked, despite Redknapp’s pleas for him to stay and help QPR avoid relegation.

No go: Adel Taarabt will not be travelling to the African Cup of Nations

No go: Adel Taarabt will not be travelling to the African Cup of Nations

But Taarabt, 23, appears to have now asked to be overlooked for the tournament which will take place in South Africa from
January 19 to February 2.

He can now be called on for games against
Spurs, West Ham, champions Man City and Norwich.

Just days ago he sent an impassioned appeal to Rachid Taoussi, the Moroccan coach who took charge in the summer.

‘I will do everything I can to prove to him that I deserve to be there,’ he told the African football blog on lequipe.fr.

Taarabt, who has recently advertised
himself to both AC Milan and Barcelona, also admitted his club manager
had asked him to make himself unavailable.

‘[Redknapp] came to see me to ask me
not to go, but I told him, “if they call me, I can’t refuse, boss. I
love my country, I love the Moroccan people and football means a lot to
them.”

‘I warned him that the only solution
was that the coach doesn’t call me up. The coach isn’t obliged to take
me. I hope to be at the African Nations Cup but even if I’m not there,
and that would be painful, I will be the biggest Morocco supporter.’

QPR take on West Brom this afternoon and face Liverpool on Sunday at 4pm.

Boost: Harry Redknapp will be delighted the midfielder is not going

Boost: Harry Redknapp will be delighted the midfielder is not going

Demba Ba wants to join boyhood club PSG – despite QPR, Liverpool and Arsenal interest

QPR lead Liverpool and Arsenal in race to activate Ba's 7m clause… but Newcastle hitman eyes up PSG deal

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UPDATED:

10:30 GMT, 26 December 2012

Demba Ba has reinforced his desire to move to Paris Saint-Germain despite QPR's interest in his signature

The Newcastle hitman has a 7million release clause that several Barclays Premier League clubs are tempted to activate next month.

Along with Arsenal and Liverpool, QPR boss Harry Redknapp has targeted Ba in the hope he can provide the goals to secure top-flight survival, but all three could be beaten to the striker by mega-rich PSG.

In demand: Several clubs are interested in taking Ba from Newcastle

In demand: Several clubs are interested in taking Ba from Newcastle

‘I look at PSG as a fan, as a supporter,’ Ba said.

‘I have never concealed my attraction to the club as a fan, which I have been since I was little.’

As Arsenal stall, the 27-year old has most recently been linked with both Spurs, while Newcastle’s interest in Marseille’s Loic Remy still remains.

Dangerous: Ba is a proven Premier League goalscorer

Dangerous: Ba is a proven Premier League goalscorer

What has changed since Ba’s childhood days, however, is PSG’s capacity to challenge and to become true contenders in Europe.

They topped Group A in the Champions League and will face Valencia in the last 16 on February 12, 2013.

‘Now they are doing big and important things, and have big plans for the future. Of course I’d like to play in the colours of a team I support.

Thin: Rodgers has few striking options

Thin: Rodgers has few striking options

Survival: Redknapp's looking to spend

Survival: Redknapp's looking to spend

Needs goals: Wenger's Arsenal are struggling

Needs goals: Wenger's Arsenal are struggling

‘As I’ve said where Arsenal are concerned, now isn’t the time to leave the Magpies.’

Redknapp: QPR can survive the drop and must start against West Brom

Redknapp: We still stand a 'big chance' of survival, and our escape will start against West Brom

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UPDATED:

13:44 GMT, 24 December 2012

Harry Redknapp believes QPR still stand a 'big chance' of securing survival despite suffering their first loss since his appointment away to Newcastle on Saturday.

The Hoops on Boxing Day host West Brom who on two points from third are exceeding expectations but with only 10 points from 18 games Redknapp knows there is little time left for QPR to save their own top-flight status.

'We’ve still got a big chance,' Redknapp said. 'That was our first defeat at the weekend since I’ve arrived.

Not over yet: Redknapp believes survival is still within QPR's grasp

Not over yet: Redknapp believes survival is still within QPR's grasp

'We defended for our lives and looked like we were going to come away with a good point which would have been vital.

'We didn’t quite make it but we’ve got two big games at home to come and we’ve got to try and pick some points up out of those now.

'If we can do that and bring one or two [players] in January then we’ve got a chance.

New arrival: And Redknapp is hoping new players will follow him to Loftus Road in January

New arrival: And Redknapp is hoping new players will follow him to Loftus Road in January

'If 40 points is the magic number then really you’re looking at hitting top six form.

'But it can happen. You can go on a run and do that. We’ll give it a good go.

'It’s going to be hard but I still believe we can do it.'

Rising force: Under Clarke, West Brom are challenging in the top half of the table

Rising force: Under Clarke, West Brom are challenging in the top half of the table

That QPR are at home is one of the reasons Redknapp – for all of his respect for Steve Clarke's work – is confident ahead of West Brom's visit. Given their victory over Fulham in the previous fixture at Loftus Road, Wednesday's game represents a chance for them to build some momentum there and to inspire a potential platform from which survival could be achieved

'They’ve done really well,' he said. 'Steve Clarke has done an excellent job.

'They’re a side that’s been building for years and has got better every year.

Obstacle: West Brom stand in the way of QPR's pursuit of three vital points on Boxing Day

Obstacle: West Brom stand in the way of QPR's pursuit of three vital points on Boxing Day

'But we’re at home, we won our last home game against Fulham and we’ve got to be ready now for West Brom and Liverpool.

'The crowd were great for the last home game and they’ve got to show the same passion again, as have the players, and if we do we’ll be hard to beat.'

It was for the Fulham fixture that Jose Bosingwa refused to be a substitute, and it could be that his brief QPR career is at an end after Redknapp revealed how 'disturbed' he felt by the Portuguese's lack of professionalism.

'Disturbing': Bosingwa refused to be a substitute for QPR's victory over Fulham

'Disturbing': Bosingwa refused to be a substitute for QPR's victory over Fulham

'It disturbed me when a player doesn't want to sit on the bench when you are bang in trouble,' he said.

'We are all in trouble. The owner and the fans see their team losing every week and suddenly you get someone who doesn't want to sit on the bench.

'He [Bosingwa] said: “I don't want to sit on the bench.”

'He thinks he is too good to sit on the bench. That is what disturbs me in this game.

'I have seen one or two incidents that have disturbed me.'

Harry Redknapp is planning a shake up of QPR"s backroom staff

Shake up: Redknapp hopes to add trusted aids to backroom staff

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UPDATED:

01:01 GMT, 21 December 2012

Harry Redknapp is stepping-up a shake-up of his backroom team after technical director Mike Rigg was on the brink of leaving the club yesterday.

Rigg arrived at Queens Park Rangers shortly after Mark Hughes' appointment as manager in January, but he is set to be the latest member of the sacked Welshman's staff to depart Loftus Road.

Shake up: QPR boss Harry Redknapp is planning to change his back-room staff

QPR boss Harry Redknapp is planning to change his back-room staff

And Redknapp, who replaced Hughes in November, will now look to install trusted aide Ian Broomfield as his new chief scout.

The 65-year-old is also closing in on former QPR striker Les Ferdinand, who he wants to join his coaching team.

Sportsmail exclusively revealed Redknapp's interest in both Ferdinand and Broomfield.

Redknapp (right) with trusted assisstant Kevin Bond, is looking to add les Ferdinand and Ian Broomfield to his staff

Redknapp (right) with trusted assisstant Kevin Bond, who has been with Redknapp at several clubs, is looking to add ex-QPR striker Les Ferdinand and Ian Broomfield to his staff