Category: Johnson

Claudio Ranieri hails Fulham striker as one of Europe’s best

Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri has hailed Aleksandar Mitrovic as one of Europe’s best strikers after helping the Cottagers register a 3-2 win over Southampton over the weekend. Ranieri recently took over the reins from Slavisa Jokanovic after Fulham went without a point for six-straight league matches but he has since sorted them with a much-needed triumph.

Speaking after Fulham’s second league win of the season, Ranieri was pleased with the performance brought forward by the team and he reserved special praise for Mitrovic, who scored a goal in either half including the match-winner following the hour mark of the Saturday afternoon encounter. Ranieri said: “For me, Mitrovic is one of the best strikers in Europe. When I say in Europe, I say all the world. He’s only 24 years old, he’s a fantastic player, and it is important to give the ball to him.”
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Birmingham City boss plans to appeal Craig Gardner sending off

Birmingham City manager Garry Monk has admitted that the club could appeal the red card given to Craig Gardner during the recent 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough. Gardner was sent off during the 83rd minute of the game after a lunge on Jonny Howson but Monk believes there was not much malice involved in the challenge.

Speaking to reporters, he said: “For me it wasn’t, I looked straight at it so I had the front on view. There was no malice, it wasn’t done dangerously. The ref was the other side, he’s from the back of it so he’s given it. We will have to have a good look at that.We will consider an appeal. He was making an honest attempt to go for the ball. From my point of view it wasn’t a red card.”
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OPINION: CHELSEA’S BEST EVER XI

Premier League side Chelsea have undergone several changes over the years. Before Roman Abramovich billions, there have been some stellar players that have passed through the Stamford Bridge ranks. Since the intervention of the Russian, there have been even more successes, and many more stars.

In goal, PetrCech takes the spot in Chelsea’s best ever XI. The Czech Rep star played brilliant football for 11 years. His passion was evident, and his records were a testament. He has the best clean sheet record in the league, ahead of Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel.
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Johnson: I Have No Regrets Leaving Liverpool

Glen Johnson made 200 appearances during his six-year stint on the Merseyside before joining Stoke City when his contract with the Reds expired in the summer. Glen Johnson insists he bears no grudges over his Liverpool exit and claims he rejected the chance to stay at Anfield.

The belief had been that Glen Johnson was forced to leave the Anfield against his own wishes. However, the former West Ham right-back claims he has no regrets over his departure as he left on his terms. He said: “I had a very good time [at Liverpool] and enjoyed the majority of it. But I turned down a new contract at the end of the day, so it ended exactly how I would like.”

He revealed that he met Mark Hughes who said to him everything that he wanted to hear. He says he’s settling in well and he feels welcomed in the club so it couldn’t have been going any better at the moment. Liverpool missed out on a Champions League spot after a disastrous end to the 2015/2016 season that saw them win just one of their final six matches, including a 6-1 drubbing at Stoke on the last day.

Rodgers brought in Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and James Milner as part of a massive overhaul the next summer that has seen skipper Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling join Johnson out the exit door. Johnson began his career at West Ham United, spending time on loan at Millwall, and was signed by Chelsea for a £6 million fee after West Ham’s relegation in 2003. He helped Chelsea win the 2004–05 Premier League title and the 2005 League Cup Final. In June 2006, Johnson joined Portsmouth on loan for the 2006–07 season.  Following a successful season on loan at Fratton Park, Johnson joined Pompey a permanently for a fee of around £4 million.

Glen Johnson FACES UNCERTAIN STOKE CITY FUTURE

Glen Johnson is heading for his Stoke exit due to the arrival of the Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma, who joined the Potters on loan this summer.

The 33-year old Englishman, will have to exit at the end of the campaign as a free agent as he has not penned down another contract with his side so far.

It can be revealed that the former Chelsea, Portsmouth and Liverpool defender needed to play 25 Premier League games last season for him to be given a new deal but he fell short of the required amount. Meanwhile the England international has interest from his old club West Ham while Crystal Palace are also considering a move this summer.

When he was signed from Liverpool on a free transfer in 2015, his wages are understood to be around the £60,000-a-week mark while the now ex-Stoke City right-back, Bardsleywho was earning less, battled with Johnson for the right-back position before he eventually left for the newly promoted Burnley upon Stoke’s renewal offer. Continue reading “Glen Johnson FACES UNCERTAIN STOKE CITY FUTURE” →

STOKE TO GET MORE PLAYERS IN

Premier League side Stoke City are hoping to get more players into the team before the league begins next week.

The top flight side are asking for a little faith from supporters who are expecting to see new faces.

Coach Mark Hughes is hoping to add three players after acquiring Kurt Zouma on loan from Chelsea, and Darren Fletcher on a free deal. Josh Tymon, 18, is also to join. The Potters are keen on getting their targets at the right price. The progress has been slow but Hughes remains hopeful ahead of their clash with Everton in the league next week.

“We are hopeful in that regard, ideally that would be the case. Transfers have a natural life in terms of how long it takes and we can’t affect that unfortunately,” the tactician explained. Continue reading “STOKE TO GET MORE PLAYERS IN” →

KLOPP SHOULD GET COMPETENT FULL BACKS FOR A START

Liverpool were touted as one of the title challengers this season.

They started well but quickly faltered. They had to deep dig to finish the season in the top four. The full backs received much of the blame for what happened in the season. Coach Jurgen Klopp would need to look at settling this issue this summer if the Kops are to achieve anything substantial in the forthcoming term.

Looking at the best players in the role; from the recently retired Philipp Lahm at Bayern to Benjamin Mendy for the youthful Monaco team, successful clubs need outstanding cover in the role. See how Nathaniel Clyne is being praised for his efforts in his role. He is decent in defence and can help push the attack.

After the 2014/15 season, many wanted a change from Glen Johnson as he was not controlling passes and stopping opposition attackers as expected. Steve Finnan was a better player defensively so it wasn’t hard to compare. Continue reading “KLOPP SHOULD GET COMPETENT FULL BACKS FOR A START” →