Published: 5 March, 2015
by CATHERINE ETOE

MIDFIELDER Nabil Bentaleb might not wish QPR manager Chris Ramsey luck ahead of Tottenham’s visit to Loftus Road at the weekend – but he has spoken of the 52-year-old’s importance in his career. 

Bright young Spurs stars such as Bentaleb, Harry Kane, Andros Townsend and Ryan Mason all came through the ranks under Ramsey, who spent 10 years as a coach at Tottenham, first in the Academy then with the Under-21s and latterly, the first team. 

The youngsters will be reacquainted with their old mentor on Saturday, but France-born Algeria international Bentaleb says there will be little room for affection out on the pitch. “He was really important to all of us,” said the 20-year-old. “He spoke to us and always believed in us. 

“He helped me but I’m not going to say I wish him all the best on Saturday because now he’s an opponent.” 

QPR are still striving to turn around their fortunes this season but Bentaleb suggested that his old coach, who took over as manager in mid-February, is more than capable of handling the pressure. 

“He always had this confidence and always made his opinions clear to everyone,” Bentaleb added.

“He is not shy or scared of anybody, he has his own way to play and he explains it to you and if you don’t like it you can go.”