Glen Johnson

[Lecter]

we had johnson and allen back in the team playing the 'new system' for the last game v bolton and they hardly lit the place up.

We first changed the system for the away game against United, the one we lost 3-0. That side included Johnson, Lovren and Allen. Admittedly the performance was ok but we still lost that game

Since then they have hardly figured and results have approved

Is that a coincidence?? I dont think so personally

[Lecter]

Personally I think this "Rodgers only change the system & personnel because he was forced to" stuff a bit silly as it rather ignores the normal process of managing a team and tactical development throughout a season.

I also find some of the vitriol about Johnson a little bit OTT, his form has undoubtedly been poor in the last season or two and he is being paid FAR too much, but I don't see how suggestion that we might offer him a new contract (on significantly reduced terms), as one of the few experienced players we have left, as a cause to immediately up pitchforks.

I'd imagine we could head over to the Balotelli thread (I stay out because, you know, "I told you so" becomes aggravating after a while I'm sure) and still find a portion of people finding any and every excuse why he's been such an appalling waste of space for us; "we just aren't playing to his strengths" etc. Yet apologists for players who like, have actually been decent for us at some stage and might actually give a tiny **** about the club, are much scarcer on the ground.

Not that I want to see Johnson's name on our teamsheet unless he significantly improves his recent level of performance, but in this current system which would seem to suit him it is at least theoretically possible that he could contribute something positive.

I am not sure whether the system change was forced but the exclusion of certain players through injury has helped because the players that have come in have done better than those they replaced

If they had remained fit would Rodgers have persisted with them, I have no idea. I am just pleased that things have panned out as they have. Lets hope Rodgers continues with the current side from here on in

[Kenneth]

Well I think Can has shown that you don’t have to be the best defender to play in a back 3, but being a ball playing CB who is comfortable in possession makes a world of difference. Johnson was initially earmarked for that role and I think he’s capable of playing there, although admittedly I wouldn’t drop anyone for him ATM. You have accused him of being prone to getting caught out of position and although this is a problem for any FB that’s expected to join the attack, the security of an extra CB and Lucas in DM surely leaves us less exposed at the back if Johnson is caught upfield. We didn’t have this security earlier in the season. Again, ATM, I wouldn’t drop Markovic for Johnson, but equally I wouldn’t be worried if he was picked in either position.

Markovic has played well there, I agree, but it’s not his natural position. He was played in his familiar role earlier in the season, in a team that was struggling and it was no surprise to see him struggling too. If he was playing RB when we were playing 4 at the back with Gerrard as DM, like Johnson was, I dare say he wouldn’t be doing so well.

I got the impression overall that this was the crux of your argument, that Johnson doesn’t look bothered. THB there is nothing I can really do to change that. If you think he doesn’t look arsed, I can’t change your perception, although he did look a bit arsed when he stuck his head in to get the winner at QPR.

I agree about Can and no doubt he has been key to our transformation, but if anything that offers me more encouragement about Johnson’s suitability.

I didn’t think he was going to sign a new contract so I was happy to leave him out of the side of the remainder of the season as I don’t believe he is essential. Now that he might be staying, I do believe that he can add value to the squad and refuse to accept it’s the end of the world like some on here, or that Rodgers has lost the plot.

Not a fan of this ‘no other club wants him’ argument. It’s often not backed up by facts (Roma, Lazio, Inter, QPR etc linked) and doesn’t necessarily change what value a player has to our club.

Johnson has tested my patience too of late and I don’t think he should be an automatic starter, but some of the reactions from fans is an absolute joke and in some cases a disgrace.

I think the bit in bold would be difficult to argue with tbh. Whether a working formation and line up comes about by design or through having to use players due to injuries, a manager gets judged by results.

One thing about Brendan Rodgers is that when he gets a system to work he generally runs with it and improves it. Does not really matter to me whether it is a masterplan or him getting lucky with changes as I am pretty confident that when something clicks that he is the type to go all out trying to maximise the effective system.

I don't agree with some of what he has to say at times, and some of his team selections, especially early on in the season, were frustrating, but if he is to get knocked when he gets things wrong, then he should get kudos when results show he is getting things right.


As you say, and I think you are spot on, there are three pieces of silverware still to play for as well as a CL slot. If we finished the season with a CL slot and some silverware I would argue that it would not be a good season but rather an even better season than last season where we only ended up with a CL slot despite the excellent play.


Even with the poor start to this season we are still in a position to do well, and in a position where we still have two routes back into the CL open to us via either a Premier league position or winning the Europa league.

Personally I think this "Rodgers only change the system & personnel because he was forced to" stuff a bit silly as it rather ignores the normal process of managing a team and tactical development throughout a season.

I also find some of the vitriol about Johnson a little bit OTT, his form has undoubtedly been poor in the last season or two and he is being paid FAR too much, but I don't see how suggestion that we might offer him a new contract (on significantly reduced terms), as one of the few experienced players we have left, as a cause to immediately up pitchforks.

I'd imagine we could head over to the Balotelli thread (I stay out because, you know, "I told you so" becomes aggravating after a while I'm sure) and still find a portion of people finding any and every excuse why he's been such an appalling waste of space for us; "we just aren't playing to his strengths" etc. Yet apologists for players who like, have actually been decent for us at some stage and might actually give a tiny **** about the club, are much scarcer on the ground.

Not that I want to see Johnson's name on our teamsheet unless he significantly improves his recent level of performance, but in this current system which would seem to suit him it is at least theoretically possible that he could contribute something positive.

[RedReet]

we had johnson and allen back in the team playing the 'new system' for the last game v bolton and they hardly lit the place up.

As RCB and DM and guess what, we kept a clean sheet. Are they to blame for our forwards wasting chances?

I don't really get your point...

[Lecter]

As RCB and DM and guess what, we kept a clean sheet. Are they to blame for our forwards wasting chances?

I don't really get your point...

I think me and my mum could have played those positions and kept a cleansheet against the 108 year old Emily Heskey and 96 year old Eiderdown Goodjohnson

[RedReet]

I think me and my mum could have played those positions and kept a cleansheet against the 108 year old Emily Heskey and 96 year old Eiderdown Goodjohnson

And I'd have said well played, job done to you and your Mum, instead of somehow trying to find reason to criticise your performance.

And others would say the only reason we kept a cleansheet was that our whole defence was injured and Rodgers was forced to pick you and your Mum, who the committee recommended to him.

[Lecter]

So we are forgiving him his total ****eness for 12 months or more based on 1 cleansheet against two 37 year old forwards

Still at least he's experienced

We shouldn't be touching him with a bargepole, he's done

[Chazza]

Don't worry Lec there will be plenty along to call him ****e/useless/a waste of space shortly.

[Lecter]

Don't worry Lec there will be plenty along to call him ****e/useless/a waste of space shortly.

He was a decent signing but he's not even close to the player he was

I will be disappointed if we offer him a contract he doesn't deserve one

[RedReet]

So we are forgiving him his total ****eness for 12 months or more based on 1 cleansheet against two 37 year old forwards

Still at least he's experienced

We shouldn't be touching him with a bargepole, he's done

**** me, you are obsessed. Baitman brought up that match and I highlighted that in that particular game he mentioned, two of our defensive players kept a clean sheet.

The fact that you felt the need to reply to a clearly light hearted post, when there is 5 minutes left in a tense semi-final to reiterate the same point again, says it all really.

[Lecter]

**** me, you are obsessed. Baitman brought up that match and I highlighted that in that particular game he mentioned, two of our defensive players kept a clean sheet.

The fact that you felt the need to reply to a clearly light hearted post, when there is 5 minutes left in a tense semi-final to reiterate the same point again, says it all really.

The fact that you are even trying to defend Johnson says it all really

[danperkins]

Hello boys..i'm back!!!!!

[BobTheCharmer]

Played OK.

[danperkins]

Played OK.

He was ****ing atrocious Bob. One good run and crossed that was blocked that be it.

[Le Chef]

Played OK.

agreed