Robson Claims Credit For Robert's Improvement


By Matthew Jones
December 21 2003

French winger Laurent Robert has improved greatly in recent weeks, and Newcastle United boss Sirm Bobby Robson is putting it down to HIS nagging.

Talking to the People, Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson revealed how his nagging and encouragement has improved French winger Laurent Robert.

Robson said: "Laurent was probably sick of always being in my office - I know I was sick of it.

"I've had a moan about him in the past - after all I've had him in my office 40 times...more times than any other player I've dealt with.

"At last we've finally got through to him and that is very satisfying for me and the coaching staff. Laurent has always been a challenge to me. His English has picked up and we aren't having the same communication problems we had.

"He has learnt the English game and style of play and is getting on better with his team-mates.

"I wouldn't sell him, except of course if Claudio (Ranieri) came in with £50million - my chairman would sell Laurent and me for £50m!

"England haven't got a left-sided midfielder like him. The way he is playing puts him in the same class as Ryan Giggs, Damien Duff, Robert Pires and Harry Kewell.

"He is one of the top five left- wingers in this country and not one of them has a better shot than him.

"Laurent should be with France in Portugal next summer because players like him can win a match.

"That's the next big challenge for him. He hasn't been in the side because the coach would see the lazy side of his game and say 'he's not for me.' But he has improved dramatically."

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ROBSON CLAIMS ROBERT CREDIT