Kaboul hits out at Ramos

Last updated : 29 April 2008 By Gareth Davies
Younes Kaboul has hit out at Jaunde Ramos for being 'all tactics and no motivation'. The French U-21 defender has found his chances in the first team limited since the Spaniard took over and has voiced his concern over losing his place in the side.

"I played the entire first half of the season but since the change of manager, I have not played," said Kaboul.

"I have had no explanation from him. He doesn't talk with anyone. Communication doesn't exist with him. He isn't playing me? That is his choice - I respect it, I am a professional.

Though the Kaboul is right about starting game under Jol, his performances were erratic. One of Ramos' achievements since joining the club has been to tighten up his sides defence. Instead of persevering with Kaboul, Ramos decided to spend £8m on Johnathan Woodgate in Janurary and the decision has been vindicated by the England defenders performances. Though there is no doubt Kaboul has potential, he lacks the focus and concentration levels of his new new teammate.

Furthermore there has rarely been an example of when criticizing the manager has won back a players place in any side. His criticism of Ramos smacks of the ill feeling Sean Davis and Hossam Ghaly had for Jol when they too found themselves on the bench. The fact is Younes is behind Woodgate and Dawson in the pecking order and only an improvement in his application in training can alter that.

It is unfortunate then, that Ramos' training methods are another bone of contention with the young frenchman.
He said: "In training, we do a lot of 11 v 0 and stuff on the blackboard to work on our progress with the ball.

"Ramos has not really given me a chance. When a player doesn't have the confidence of his coach, he can't do much on the pitch. But when a coach has confidence in you, you take the handbrake off and you race away."

Kaboul's complaints suggest he feels he has little opportunity to impress under the training regimes preferred by Ramos and his coaches. That Ramos bought Woodgate is enough to confirm he does not fully trust the man Martin Jol paid £7m for last season.

Kaboul would do well to remember that all is not lost. His manager is a man who rewards hard work and application. No player should be happy to sit on the bench and his complaints should not be exaggerated. He goes into a pre-season knowing that if applies himself wholeheartedly, he has every chance of forcing his way back into contention, particularly as worries surrounding Ledley King's fitness continue.

There is little doubt Kaboul possesses the physical attributes to be a good centre-back. What he must learn is to simplify his game and maintain his concentration. Too often during the sides tumultuous start to the season did Kaboul lose focus at key moments, allowing himself to be pulled out of position or lose his marker at the crucial moment.

Whether or not Kaboul's dissatisfaction suggests he wants to leave the club is difficult to tell but what is for sure is that his words will have done him no favours in the eyes of his manager.