Topic: Glen Johnson...

[xerxes1]

A good game for him yesterday, Roy's stance with him has appeared to work.

The most important unresolved issue is what formation, and position, gets the best out of a very good footballer.That is a much bigger problem for Roy thsan a bit of verbal jousting.

[Veinticinco de Mayo]

A good game for him yesterday, Roy's stance with him has appeared to work.

The most important unresolved issue is what formation, and position, gets the best out of a very good footballer.

Full back.  With holding midfielder covering.  Wide midfielders tucked in.
Aurelio doing likewise on the other side.

[freedom]

And I love him just the way he is.

[Samee]

Just thinking though, if Johnson playing well has nothing to do with Roy, nothing at all, then surely Liverpool playing shite for the most part of the season must have nothing to do with him too.  Yes? 

In which case, why do I want him gone?  I am all confused now.  37 years of watching the game and you undermine all my assumptions in one post.  Please help.

It has been clear that us playing badly has been a direct result of Hodgson's tactics and team selections. Last night, Johnson put in his best performance in a red shirt under Hodgson so far and West Ham being shockingly bad was clearly a big reason for that. Hodgson had very little to do with that performance from Johnson.

[Veinticinco de Mayo]

It has been clear that us playing badly has been a direct result of Hodgson's tactics and team selections. Last night, Johnson put in his best performance in a red shirt under Hodgson so far and West Ham being shockingly bad was clearly a big reason for that. Hodgson had very little to do with that performance from Johnson.

"Very little" or "Nothing" you're confusing me again.

[Tomo!]

You can. But considering both manager and player have gave interviews saying there is no problem with each other, you don't have as many dots as us.

Didn't he say he knows he hasn't been playing well himself and doesn't need the manager telling everyone

[Veinticinco de Mayo]

Didn't he say he knows he hasn't been playing well himself and doesn't need the manager telling everyone

"I didn't need to hear it from the boss to know that I hadn't been playing at my best, I'm an honest man and I know how well I can play, so it was nice to get a goal today."

[freedom]

"I didn't need to hear it from the boss to know that I hadn't been playing at my best, I'm an honest man and I know how well I can play, so it was nice to get a goal today."

ah! I love him!! 

[Eeyore]

"I didn't need to hear it from the boss to know that I hadn't been playing at my best, I'm an honest man and I know how well I can play, so it was nice to get a goal today."

And to win a crucial penalty at 1-1 against Napoli in believe it or not the game before Hodgson launched his hysterical tirade against his own player.

[bleedsred1978]

I'm not giving Roy the credit on this one i'm afraid.

Completely self serving statement. If Glen stays playing shite then Roy is correct. If Glen improves Roy's correct.

Should have been said in private from day one imo.

[Dr Abismo]

He's the best English. Sagna and Ivanovic are better on the whole.

No. Ivanovic and Sagna are better defenders. But they're nowhere near as good as Johnson as creative wide players. Johnson is the better all-round player, even taking defending into account.

[Cpt_Reina]

On the public thing I generally agree, "private bollocking, public backing" is pretty much always the way to do things.  But perhaps there are times when you don't think you are getting through to a player and only a public throwing down of the gauntlet will do.

Whatever, good to see Johnson back on the sort of form that he showed for the first month or so of his Anfield career.

Agree with this, but I wont believe Johnson's truely back until he scores another overhead   

[Dr Abismo]

One thing was required of Kuyt in the second half and because it didn't involve him touching the ball it was well within his means to execute it. He needed to vacate the space ahead of Johnson and drag the West Ham right back into the middle whenever Johnson picked the ball up on the half-way line. But the turd did the opposite and actually kept moving from the centre of the pitch into the empty space ahead of Glen every time our full back got the ball. It was brilliantly effective from a West Ham point of view because it choked off Johnson's surging runs from the back. It was a spectacular misreading of what makes our right back such a powerful player.

I'm not quite as critical of Kuyt as you. But the crucial point you're making, in this thread about Johnson, is that for Johnson's role in particular it's very hard to judge him without taking account of how other players play with and for him in that role. Any attacking full back needs cover and cooperation, people who know what he's doing and cover behind when necessary, and who swap positions and cover further forward. Any attacking full back is going to look useless and out of position when the opposition counter-attack, if there's nobody covering behind and across (like Mascherano regularly did). Johnson gets too much flak when he's basically not getting help. Kuyt does at least work hard, covers the ground, and puts tackles in. It's his first touch that often lets him down.

[bigbear]

"I didn't need to hear it from the boss to know that I hadn't been playing at my best, I'm an honest man and I know how well I can play, so it was nice to get a goal today."

Good response from Johnson that.

I don't think Hodgson deliberately balled him out in public, I just think he doesn't engage his brain when he is giving interviews. That should never have been said in public.

[Dr Abismo]

Good response from Johnson that.

I don't think Hodgson deliberately balled him out in public, I just think he doesn't engage his brain when he is giving interviews. That should never have been said in public.

Agree. That fits what Hodgson said afterwards too, about the storm in a teacup. It also fits what Hodgson has been saying about being taken by surprise at suddenly being some kind of media star, on the tv all the time, his every word picked up and quoted, or built up into something. He needs to learn quickly, what not to say in public.

[Rohit]

No. Ivanovic and Sagna are better defenders. But they're nowhere near as good as Johnson as creative wide players. Johnson is the better all-round player, even taking defending into account.

Ivanovic is primarily a centre back thats why, and sagna was a centre back before aswell of im not mistaken.

[Dr Abismo]

Ivanovic is primarily a centre back thats why, and sagna was a centre back before aswell of im not mistaken.

True at least of Ivanovic. And I do like both those players - they're just not directly comparable to Johnson.

[Ambrosia]

He's the best English. Sagna and Ivanovic are better on the whole.

Sagna is tripe. That's no exaggeration.

[downtown]

Sagna is tripe. That's no exaggeration.

I am Johnson's biggest fan, but Sagna is absolutely superb defensively. many times he's rescued Arsenal's defensive shambles with last ditch tackles

the best defensive RB in the world, inconsistent crossing though.

[AirConGipsyRed]

"I didn't need to hear it from the boss to know that I hadn't been playing at my best, I'm an honest man and I know how well I can play, so it was nice to get a goal today."

I saw this on .tv and wasn't sure how to take it. I am not sure if it is a dig at the manager or an acceptance that he needed to improve. Maybe even both. What's your take on it?

[Robotforaday]

I'm not giving Roy the credit on this one i'm afraid.

Completely self serving statement. If Glen stays playing shite then Roy is correct. If Glen improves Roy's correct.

Should have been said in private from day one imo.

Spot on.

[Robotforaday]

Sagna is tripe. That's no exaggeration.

How can you argue this?

[Rohit]

How can you argue this?

Exposed one on one at times doesnt look quite the great defender, yesterday being the case thought it was the greatest player in the world baledona.
still very good right back.

[Veinticinco de Mayo]

I saw this on .tv and wasn't sure how to take it. I am not sure if it is a dig at the manager or an acceptance that he needed to improve. Maybe even both. What's your take on it?

Same as you mate, it's ambiguous. I guess that the fact it hasn't been used to kick up another shitstorm means it was probably delivered in a manner that made it clear he was accepting the criticism was justified?

[AirConGipsyRed]

Same as you mate, it's ambiguous. I guess that the fact it hasn't been used to kick up another shitstorm means it was probably delivered in a manner that made it clear he was accepting the criticism was justified?

As yet, I am sure some shitty rag (or website) will pick it up in two weeks time and quote it as an exclusive!

For what it's worth, I think you are right. Having thought about it, I can't imagine it going out on .tv unless it was conciliatory. 

[Veinticinco de Mayo]

As yet, I am sure some shitty rag (or website) will pick it up in two weeks time and quote it as an exclusive!

For what it's worth, I think you are right. Having thought about it, I can't imagine it going out on .tv unless it was conciliatory. 

Ha! True, hadn't even thought of that angle.

[AirConGipsyRed]

Ha! True, hadn't even thought of that angle.

Off topic, just noticed your avatar, it is the DOG'S DANGLIES!!!

[Mr Dilkington]

Nice to see Johnson picking up his form yesterday after such a long lay out, although it was a poor West Ham team, he was still one of our greatest threats and when used properly is by far the best right back in the league. I have to disagree with Yorky's point on Kuyt, Kuyt did a super job occupying more than one player at one time just through his sheer running and determination, opened up spaces for Glen to attack and allowed Maxi room to follow in at the back post.

Another redeeming quality i have noticed with Johnson, he is such a good dribbler and his close control is so good that when he gets into the box he always looks as though he could win us a penalty, he forces defenders to make a decison, either bring me down and lose a penalty, or let me cross it into a dangerous area.

Lets hope Roy continues giving Johnson a free reign of the right hand side, and things will only improve.

[Phil M]

...is and never will be

Grammar fail.

[John C]

Full back.  With holding midfielder covering.  Wide midfielders tucked in.
Aurelio doing likewise on the other side.

Only if Glen is playing though VdM. Roy has applied this tactic for the duration of Glen's absence with infuriating dullness to our game.[/size]


What I've found amazing again regarding all of our analysis is that yesterday one poster said Dirk & Glen linked brilliant whilst another said Dirk basically got in his way.

[JWAlonso]

Johnson always needed a good kick up the backside. He has had one, and yesturday he played quiet good.

[rocco]

"I didn't need to hear it from the boss to know that I hadn't been playing at my best, I'm an honest man and I know how well I can play, so it was nice to get a goal today."

Wish Roy would keep things like this private ..... but seemed to do the trick v west ham ...?

[Aquilani 4]

"I think it's more correct to say people made mischief about a conversational comment that was no way directed at Glen," Hodgson told ESPN afterwards.

"People in his camp have tried to hit back in a childish manner. Talk about a storm in a teacup, this was the original storm in a teacup.

 "I've always had a good relationship with him, he's a good player and I know what he can do.

"He was more than fit and raring to go."
 
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Liverpool-manager-Roy-Hodgson-played-down-talk-of-a-rift-with-Glen-Johnson-after-3-0-win-over-West-Ham-article633567.html

 
 

Glen Johnson opened the scoring in the 18th minute, then revealed how he had cleared the air with Roy Hodgson after the Liverpool manager claimed he had not been playing like an England right-back.

‘Today felt good and was more like it,’ he said.

‘I’m an honest man, and I don’t need to hear it from the manager that I haven’t been playing well. I know when I’m playing well and when I’m not.

‘Believe me, no one wants me to find my best form more than me, and I was aware of what I had to do.

'It was a little reminder from the boss, and he told me that was what he meant by it.

‘We spoke, and he explained he wanted it to help me, to push me, and I said to him then, I don’t need people to tell me. I know where I’m at in terms of form, and I knew it all already.

‘The gaffer told me he has faith in my ability, so we spoke about it and cleared things up.

'Sometimes comments like that can be made to look more negative than they are meant.

'The boss explained that he didn’t mean it in a negative way, just that he knew I had more to offer than I was showing.’

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1331837/Taunted-Avram-Grant-safe-time-West-Ham.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

[Mad Men]

I think no matter what team Roy put out yesterday, given how bad West Ham were, we still would have won. I didn't get to watch the match but judging by everyone's comments thus far, Johnson looked good against a side that shouldn't be as bad as they are.

The real test for Johnson is yet to come.

[has gone odd]

any truth to the rumour going about hes off to inter in january?

be a huge mistake if ya ask me.

[subroc]

"I think it's more correct to say people made mischief about a conversational comment that was no way directed at Glen," Hodgson told ESPN afterwards.

"People in his camp have tried to hit back in a childish manner. Talk about a storm in a teacup, this was the original storm in a teacup.

 "I've always had a good relationship with him, he's a good player and I know what he can do.

"He was more than fit and raring to go."
 
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Liverpool-manager-Roy-Hodgson-played-down-talk-of-a-rift-with-Glen-Johnson-after-3-0-win-over-West-Ham-article633567.html

 

Translation-
1. He did not mean to direct it at Johnson
2. He was only saying criticism of Johnson as a conversational comment
3. "People in Glen's camp" hit back with childish comments
4. They blew it out of proportion

[ChaChaMooMoo]

"People in Glen's camp"

Who are they?

[subroc]

Glen Johnson opened the scoring in the 18th minute, then revealed how he had cleared the air with Roy Hodgson after the Liverpool manager claimed he had not been playing like an England right-back.

‘Today felt good and was more like it,’ he said.

‘I’m an honest man, and I don’t need to hear it from the manager that I haven’t been playing well. I know when I’m playing well and when I’m not.

‘Believe me, no one wants me to find my best form more than me, and I was aware of what I had to do.

'It was a little reminder from the boss, and he told me that was what he meant by it.

‘We spoke, and he explained he wanted it to help me, to push me, and I said to him then, I don’t need people to tell me. I know where I’m at in terms of form, and I knew it all already.

‘The gaffer told me he has faith in my ability, so we spoke about it and cleared things up.

'Sometimes comments like that can be made to look more negative than they are meant.

'The boss explained that he didn’t mean it in a negative way, just that he knew I had more to offer than I was showing.’

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1331837/Taunted-Avram-Grant-safe-time-West-Ham.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Translation -

1. Hodgson told Johnson that his comments were meant by Hodgson to be a reminder to Johnson
2. He told Johnson that he meant it as a means of helping him by pushing him
3. He said that he did not mean it negatively
4. Johnson told Hodgson that such "help" was not needed as Johnson was capable of pushing himself, thank you very much

[subroc]

By comparing the two quotes, if Johnson is telling the truth, then that means that Hodgson has lied for a verified third time to us again since he started his managerial reign.

To the press, he denied directing the comment at Johnson and said it was said in conversation. (Since he was talking to the press at the time, aren't such "conversations" press statements/interviews and therefore will be publicised to the whole world, including to Johnson?! )

To Johnson, he said that he meant to direct his comment to Johnson, but actually, his motives were pure and not negative, and were instead meant to remind Johnson and to give him a "push".

These are clearly contradictory representations of the truth. 

[subroc]

Who are they?

i.e. "People in Glen's camp" = "Glen Johnson but I can't say that without setting him off again, so I will redirect to a non-existent 3rd person in the hope that Johnson doesn't realise that I am actually calling him childish."