Rodgers Wants Johnson to Fight for New Contract

Put up or get out
As Glen Johnson looks to return to the Liverpool setup for the first time after a month out, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has called on the fullback to earn himself a new contract by putting in some serious work between now and May.

The 29-year old is one of Anfield’s highest earners on a reported £110,000 per week and as he moves into the final year of his current contract, there’s speculation that the Liverpool hierarchy won’t be willing to match the aging England mans current terms. Johnson’s performances have slipped this season with the experienced fullback not looking like the player he once was, but Rodgers has suggested that he can earn himself a new deal on Merseyside if his performances get back up to snuff.

“Glen is a player we want to keep,” the Northern Irishman told the Liverpool ECHO. “In terms of his contract, I am sure that is something that will be discussed between now and the end of the season.” Rumours were swirling in the winter transfer window that Arsenal were sniffing around the experienced defender, but a number of ailments saw him shuffled off to the treatment table with Rodgers ruling him out “indefinitely” on January 23rd.

Apparently, indefinitely actually means exactly one month, with Johnson returning to full training this week and expected to play some part against Swansea City on Sunday — the 23rd of February. Arguments of hyperbole aside, Rodgers is hoping that he can hang on to the 29-year old past the summer — and maybe earn himself a new deal at the same time.

“I think we all are – players and the manager” said Anfield boss when asked if Johnson was playing for a new contract. “We are all fighting to be best that we can be for the club. Hopefully then the club sees that they want to keep you and improve you. Whether that’s Glen, the manager or whoever, we’re all fighting to stay here.”

So, contract talks haven’t started yet, Brendan?




4 thoughts on “Rodgers Wants Johnson to Fight for New Contract

  • February 22, 2014 at 2:42 am
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    If he gets back to what he was before his ankle injury then I don’t see how he can’t get a contract. We miss his attacking prowess. Before he was injured he was up and down the field attacking and defending like the best fullbacks do. After his injury his touches weren’t the same and he wasn’t getting up the field to attack. Ankle injuries are one of the worst injuries to have, that spring and glide that you have as a player is tarnished when you have these niggling injuries. If Johnson is back for sure this time, he will be a huge plus for us.

  • February 22, 2014 at 5:04 am
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    Fight for his contract? Johnson can’t even fight for his place in the team. Throughout his career, he has shown no drive whatsoever.

  • February 22, 2014 at 5:36 pm
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    His spot has been unopposed for much of his time here. There hasn’t been one manager that’s even expressed an interest in bringing in competition for him. Martin Kelly was looking decent at one point, but even then we were talking about shifting Johnson farther up the field.

    Glad Flanno is around now to give him a run for his money. A younger player who wants to get in the team is a good motivator to work hard to keep your spot.

  • February 22, 2014 at 5:37 pm
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    Don’t have any problem at all with him earning a new contract as long as he’s putting in the effort week in and week out. Not sure if we’re going to want to keep him on the same wages though — he’ll have to make concessions.

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