I've never understood the benefit of these kind of press statements. I don't think for one moment they benefit the player on the receiving end. Surely Roy and Johnson have had this discussion in private, one to one, and the implications of not performing would have been writ large.
But waking up to the papers and SS news saying your not up to it can't do anything for your confidence, or for your relationship with the manager. If that was me I think I'd have feelings of mistrust and deep embarrassment. I personally don't see how this can improve Johnsons performance.
So the only reason for the statement can only be to the benefit of the manager. Look at me, I'm in charge, I'm the boss. Roy is very media savvy, he's been doing it for 35 years. He knows what the sporting press want. They want access, interviews, the inside scoop. They want controversy, statements and most of all a long running narrative, something for Joe slob to get his head round
Let's pretend were an editor for a rag. We all hate Capello yeah, bloody foreigner coming over here taking the job off of 'Arry. Gotta find something to beat him with. The defence is a good place to start. Terry , Rio nah don't wanna get on the wrong side of sir Alex or Englands Brave JT. That Johnson, yeah he'll do. Haha stupid hair, bit quiet. Haha easy. Oh and black, nice. Attacking full back, he can't defend. So keep pointing that out regardless of his performance. Scored last night but still, looked dodgy on the pumped balls. But hang on, whats this. The Liverpool manager says he can't defend and needs a kick up the arse. HAHAHAHHA THIS IS BRILLIANT. And the added bonus of Liverpool being shit again. Sweet, go to press