Sam Johnstone has now revealed what Roy Hodgson does if the 76-year-old is unhappy about standards in Crystal Palace training.
The England international was speaking to David Seaman on the Seaman Says podcast.
So, what did Sam Johnstone say about Roy Hodgson? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the 30-year-old claimed that the Croydon-born tactician does not take any nonsense at Crystal Palace’s Copers Cope training ground in Beckenham.
Johnstone said: “He is great, honestly. He is on the pitch every day, taking the sessions. He doesn’t think, oh I’ll just let other people take it and sit back because I’m old or whatever. He is bang at it every day, and if you’re not on it, he’s still got that old school in him, he will tell you straight and get the lads going.
“He’ll be so direct, you need to be on it. Some of the stuff he says in meetings, it’s just great. He’s just inspiring. He’s adapted as well you know (to modern day football).”
That is great to hear.
Some Crystal Palace fans have often murmured that Hodgson has lost that fire in his belly, and has become a more passive manager in his old age.
However, Johnstone – who works with him on a daily basis – believes otherwise, which should encourage those Crystal Palace supporters who were unsure about Hodgson’s passion for football at 76 years of age.
Sam Johnstone sounds delighted to be at Crystal Palace under Roy Hodgson
Johnstone – who Garth Crooks just named in his BBC Sport Team of the Week – signed a new contract at Crystal Palace last week until June 2027, and it is easy to see why based on his comments.
The Crystal Palace No.1 himself briefly admitted that he was “delighted” to commit his future to the Eagles, although his comments about Hodgson offer more insight about how much he is enjoying himself at Selhurst Park.
Johnstone also spoke about how the Crystal Palace boss reacted almost like a family member at hearing about the Preston-born glovesman’s return to the England squad, and simply could not speak highly enough of his manager.
Say what you like about Hodgson’s tactics, but he clearly has the respect of his players.
