Warnock ready to extend unlikely alliance with 'matador' Diouf after striker dazzles at Leeds

By John Edwards

PUBLISHED: 04:18 EST, 27 September 2012 | UPDATED: 04:18 EST, 27 September 2012

Neil Warnock is ready to extend one of football’s unlikeliest alliances for the rest of the season, at least, after describing El Hadji Diouf as ‘a matador’ who has the Elland Road crowd in the palm of his hand.

The Leeds manager’s perception of Diouf varies somewhat from 20 months ago, when he likened him to a sewer rat for verbally abusing Jamie Mackie, as the QPR defender lay on the pitch with a broken leg.

Diouf hit back by labelling the then-QPR boss ‘a nobody’, but the vitriol was all forgotten at the start of this season, when Warnock handed him an Elland Road contract until the New Year and insisted their differences had been resolved.

Staying on: El Hadji Diouf will be a Leeds player until at least the end of the season

Staying on: El Hadji Diouf will be a Leeds player until at least the end of the season

Seven weeks on, the truce appears to be holding fast, following a stirring Capital One Cup triumph over Everton that brought out the showman in the 31-year old one-time Liverpool forward.

Predictably barracked throughout by Everton fans, he lapped it up by cupping his ears and blowing kisses to his detractors.

At the other end, a standing ovation every time he took a corner was acknowledged with a wave.

Asked if another contract was in the offing in January, Warnock nodded, and said: ‘Diouf isn’t going anywhere else. He has promised me certain things, and I’m happy with that.

Unlikely alliance: Neil Warnock had once described the striker as a 'sewer rat', now he says he is like a 'matador'

Unlikely alliance: Neil Warnock had once described the striker as a 'sewer rat', now he says he is like a 'matador'

Unlikely alliance: Neil Warnock had once described the striker as a 'sewer rat', now he says he is like a 'matador'

‘He’s certainly not doing it here for the money. He’s one of the lowest-paid players at the club and could have earned six or seven times his wages by going to Saudi Arabia or Dubai.

‘But there would be no point him doing that, because he wouldn’t get a stage like he’s got here. He’s a matador, isn’t he? That’s what he is, and Elland Road is his stage.

‘He needs something like this. I think he realises he’s better off here, because he has given me his word (about staying), if that’s worth it. I think it is worth it, and I am sure he will keep being straight up with me.

‘I’ve been straight up with him. I told him I would get him fit and that he would be surprised how good he could be.

'There’s still a little bit more to do, but he’s nearly there. That was evident against Everton, because to go the full 90 minutes in a tie like that was a terrific effort.’

Delighted: Warnock has been impressed since the arrival of Diouf

Delighted: Warnock has been impressed since the arrival of Diouf

 

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Comments (6)

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Diouff may have a chequered past but there is no denying his talent, in the Everton game he ran it, helping them through an unlikely tie, he could easily lead them to the premier league which he and Warnock deserve, simply for working so well together after there problems

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i think this shows how great a manager that warnock is. i bet he didnt want to sign diouf but knew he would be a good addition. it takes balls to put personal feelings aside for the sake of the team....well done warnock. ps. i dislike warnock!

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what warnock said about diouff and to then go on an sign him shows its not point listening to anything he ever says again. nothing against leeds but dont want them to go up cause it. just wouldnt be justice having a dirty rat whos in the team.

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EHD has been a revelation since his arrival and i'm glad to say I was in support of his arrival. He has stepped up to the plate and delivered. He will become a Leeds legend in time and once the T/O has been pushed through he will be offered an improved deal to stay at the club. MOT !

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Diouf a matador? Sound like a loud of old bull to me !

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I hate Diouff!

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