Source: Team_Talk
Italian philosophy inspires Johnson
Adam Johnson believes the approaches of Fabio Capello and Roberto Mancini give him extra licence to thrill for England and Manchester City.[LNB] The winger celebrated his competitive debut for England by scoring his first goal for his country in Friday's 4-0 win over Bulgaria in a Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley.[LNB]It was a big boost for the former Middlesbrough player after he failed to make the final 23 for the World Cup.[LNB]But Johnson can see similarities between the approach of fellow Italians Capello and Mancini in providing a solid defensive basis which gives attacking plyers like himself more freedom.[LNB]Johnson said: "Capello and Mancini are pretty similar in their approach. I think in some ways the Italian mentality is different to the English attitude when it comes to management.[LNB]"There is an emphasis on the tactical side and the shape of the team.[LNB]"Obviously, every manager has things to do differently, but overall I think Mancini and Capello are pretty similar.[LNB]"I think if you can get a team to defend the right way, then there is more freedom for the forwards to attack.[LNB]"Obviously I like to do that and, when the defence is right, then it gives you a solid base to go forward - and both managers I play for like to do that.[LNB]"It gives me freedom in the final third to try things, to score goals and try to play attractive football. The defence gives you the confidence to do those things."[LNB]Johnson took consolation from missing out on the World Cup in Capello naming him as one of the bright hopes for England's future as he looks to rebuild.[LNB]He said: "I watched all the games at the World Cup. I am an England fan and, obviously got a lot of mates who were out there playing, so I was supporting them as well.[LNB]"It was difficult to watch in a way, knowing I was so close, but I wanted England to go all the way and I was as disappointed as anyone to see how it went.[LNB]"But it was fantastic hearing good things about me from the England manager (about the future).[LNB]"It's exciting for me when someone like him is saying good things about me.[LNB]"My aim is to get a few more caps and play as many games for England as I can.[LNB]"I'm sure it's the same for the other young lads but playing for my country is all I've ever wanted to do. It's exciting."[LNB]Johnson has also settled in with England with the help of his City team-mates who have also been involved.[LNB]He says it definitely helps with people Gareth Barry, Joe Hart and James Milner being in squad.[LNB]"When you come away with England, to have so many team-mates there is a big help."[LNB]Johnson is as excited as anyone about what the future may hold for City but he is refusing to get carried away.[LNB]He said: "They are exciting times at City. Yes, absolutely. But I think we've just got to take each game as it comes.[LNB]"A lot of people are saying we are going to do this and that but we are focused on ourselves.[LNB]"We've started reasonably well and we've just got to carry that on, keep winning and see where it takes us.[LNB]"Like I said, these are exciting times but we are not getting too carried away with ourselves."
