Liverpool’s Glen Johnson, if the clumsy murmurings are to be given some credence, isn’t content under the management of Roy Hodgson. The right back that has used Liverpool to propel his career and gain England status has recently been the attention of Hodgson, who has cited his performances as not that of his former capabilities. This has left Johnson dejected and feeling aggrieved at Hodgson for publicly questioning his current form, it may even come to him leaving the club if the matter persists. A meeting between Johnson’s representatives and Damien Comolli, the new director of football strategy, has been scheduled this week in order to discuss matters.
Hodgson was quoted as saying of Johnson: “…up to now this season, to be quite frank, he has not performed at the level you would expect. Not very often, anyway.” Hodgson would have meant this to galvanize the player, for he continues to state that he believes Johnson isn’t playing at the top of his form. It surely isn’t a provocative defamation of character against Johnson which would be designed to alienate him. But you have to question the resolve and determination of certain footballers when they simulate desire and loyalty, only to jump ship when the merest sign of criticism or hardship emerges.
Quotes from Johnson’s camp maintain that: “Things have moved rapidly downhill for Glen since Roy arrived, he finds the style of football boring and the way he was criticised by the manager in public was uncalled for.” Were they so uncalled for? Trying to motivate and rile a player through tough love is sometimes a necessary strategy.
Johnson would have to prove himself worthy of replacing the already capable stand-in Martin Kelly. This competition for place has never brought out the best in Johnson, when at Chelsea he failed to emulate his potential when having to compete against Paulo Ferreira. It appears as over-sensitivity on the part of Johnson. Permit me the scenario in which you are told you aren’t performing to your usual high standards, with this being a fair assessment, and it being known you aren’t by your peers. Would you move company, finding comfort elsewhere? Or would you wish to prove your character and worth, as you have enough humility to concede your poor performances?
It appears lamentable that Johnson can wish to move elsewhere over something as trivial as the highlighting of his poor form from his manager, the person players are supposed to respect and demonstrate their starting credentials towards. This evidentially doesn’t come into consideration for players when their self-worth is offended; Wayne Rooney exemplified the power that players can exert upon their respective clubs.
The general mood at Liverpool may not be one of satisfaction, but it is made increasingly difficult when players deem themselves far too exulted to be criticized and if dared to be, will begin remonstrating and try to create a move away. Johnson hasn’t performed sufficiently well enough, injury taken into account, and has found the reality unpalatable when stated, so he wishes to surround himself with ease rather than toiling to achieve.
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