Mancini on Johnson: "Two Dribbles, Two Crosses"

[john@staustell]

Frustrating tht he wasn't given more pitch time at the derby, exactly the sort of player that the game needed. His ability to turn and go past two defenders at a time is special, he just needs to learn to read the game more and maybe put on a few pounds of muscle (not to the extent of the sluggish lump that is richards but the svelt figure of the fake ronaldo?).

Maybe. But perhaps not in the way you think.

 

[Deepest Blue]

He can listen and learn and become a cracking player like, say, Chris Waddle or stagnate and become a decent one like maybe Stewart Downing.
But Downing would not be good enough to play for us and make £5m a year.

 

[Marvin]

Very refreshing that we are making demands on our young players. It's very easy for praise and success to put out the fire in a young player.

 

[Project]

Mancini on Johnson: "Two Dribbles, Two Crosses"

With Mancini on this one.

 

[Kippax.]

Re: Mancini on Johnson:

With Mancini on this one.

really dont agree, Johnson imo should be the first on the team sheet week in week out.

 

[bluethai]

This is one aspect of the game where SGE really excelled - man managment. Remember the whole thing about Richards having a threesome in some bathroom? Fucking idiotic thing to film and start spreading around, but SGE handled it perfectly anyway. Both in the press and telling Richards himself that he's been through the same tabloid humiliation and that you can't let it get to you. You could tell Richards had nothing but respect for SGE after that, and played some of his best football to date.

Mancini does indeed seem to think of SGE as his mentor, so I suppose he could still learn a few things. But then as I said maybe he's thought it through very hard, in regards to A Johnson. It is important not to let stuff go to your head and do what's best for the team.

SGE really excelled man managment so Micah showed respect with poor performance since then? I'm sure Micah just played some of his best football in the first 2 months of SGE era and never found that form again especially after the incident that you mentioned.

 

[Lancet Fluke]

Can't really make my mind up what I think about this one. Clearly something is happening that Mancini thinks needs addressing and I trust him on that. Not sure why he thinks it is helpful to do it in public though. Personally, I'd rather see AJ starting out wide than Milner, it's less of an issue when Balotelli is available but Milner looks to be struggling in that position to me.

 

[paulgmurphyhumphries]

I think Mancini has gone public on this one because of the DRINKING, and no other reason. Johnson needs to get his head down, improve his awareness of the game, his stamina and strength. It was sad to see the demise Of Ireland and let us hope he doesnt go the same way. I think Mancini wante the option of Johnson being able to play in a central role, but his posiytioning and awareness has meant these plans were scrapped.

JOHNSON, shandies for you my lad.!

 

[King_Carlos]

I think we should let the manager manage. It was only a few weeks ago every1 was saying he should play 4-4-2 and look at what happened for the first half at Blackpool it was dire. The manager knows what he is doing and it's time for the fans to back him. So if he thinks AJ doesn't contribute enough to warrant a start then he must see something.

 

[peoffrey]

Silva and Milner are going to get the nods to start in positions AJ might occupy at present with both Players being more experienced. I love watching AJ pick up the ball and run at defenders - but he's going to be doing that as a Substitute until he displaces either from the side.

Johnson doesn't cross the ball particularly well.