Source: Daily_Mail
Roberto Mancini's Manchester mantra has made me a better player, insists City's Adam Johnson
Adam Johnson says he is beginning to feel the benefits after adopting the Mancini mantra at Manchester City.[LNB]The former Middlesbrough winger scored a superb individual goal in the victory against Salzburg which helped secure the club's passage into the knockout stages of the Europa League.[LNB]Johnson, 23, is now hoping to retain his place in the side to face Bolton tomorrow and make only his sixth start in the league this season.[LNB] Reaping the rewards: Adam Johnson (right) has found a new focus[LNB]City boss Roberto Mancini has been critical of the player's attitude in the past, especially after he broke into the England team.[LNB]Johnson, however, has nothing but praise for the way his boss has brought him on in the 10 months since he left the Riverside Stadium.[LNB]He said: 'From the moment he came in the manager he has helped me a lot. He has told me all sorts of different things.[LNB]'He has seen a lot in his career and all his advice is starting to show a little bit in my game. It is about running off the ball, my movement and stuff like that and when to get a shot in.[LNB]'It is also about not wanting the ball at my feet all the time, and maybe trying to get in the box and on the end of a few more crosses.[LNB]'I was happy with my performance against Salzburg and really pleased with my goal. Hopefully a bit more of that will come in the next few weeks.[LNB]'I played a bit more on the left, but I am comfortable on either side and it was a slow tempo which gives you space and time to enjoy it.'[LNB]Johnson's goal came after a brace from summer signing Mario Balotelli, which took the 20-year-old's tally to five goals in just four starts.[LNB] Super strike: Johnson (centre) scored a fine individual goal against Salzburg [LNB]Balotelli is expected to link up with Carlos Tevez tomorrow after the club captain was rested in midweek.[LNB]Johnson is impressed with the young Italian striker and said: 'Everyone knows Mario's qualities. He is a goalscorer. Sometimes you won't see him for five minutes, but then he will get on the end of a cross or get a shot in and it will find the net.[LNB]'That is something it's good to have in the team, someone who can create something out of nothing. He is a bit of a funny character but the lads think he's great around the dressing room - and he has some good banter.[LNB]'He does not celebrate his goals, but that's how he is, he just does not show too much emotion.'[LNB]Bolton are winning friends under manager Owen Coyle with their easy-on-the-eye style of play that has seen the team shoot up the table.[LNB]Johnson added: 'A lot of sides come to our ground and sit back but I don't know if Bolton will. They might give us a game which will suit us even more.[LNB]'Most teams, with the quality we have and the reputation we are building, will just defend here, but we are going to have to get used to that.[LNB]'The way we are playing is starting to click all round. We work a lot on the shape, attacking play and movement off the ball.'[LNB] Manchester City and Chelsea target Luiz hints at leaving Benfica in JanuaryAll the latest Premier League team news ahead of the weekendThe Manchester City academy - inside the Blues' £10m talent factoryMANCHESTER CITY FC
