JOHNSON WILL PLAY HARDBALL WITH KODJIA
LEE JOHNSON made it clear that Jonathan Kodjia was still a Bristol City player after leaving his Ivory Coast striker out of the squad to face Aston Villa.
But after seeing his team hit three second-half goals to extend Villa’s away-day misery, the head coach did not rule out the striker leaving before Wednesday’s transfer window.
Johnson would not comment on rumours that Derby County had bid around £14 million to lure Kodjia away from Ashton Gate.
But he did admit: “There have been numerous offers for Jonathan and I left him out because I thought his mind might not be quite right.
“None of the bids have so far matched our valuation and if that doesn’t happen he won’t be going.
“We are not in the business of letting our best players leave unless buying clubs come up with sufficient dosh.
“If he does leave we have targets in mind to replace him and you cannot rule out anything during transfer windows.
“In the meantime, I am delighted to have signed Jamie Paterson on a three-year contract from Nottingham Forest and believe we have got him for a very good price.”
Paterson was introduced to City fans on the pitch at halftime, probably in a bid to take their minds off the opening 45 minutes.
“We were totally outplayed and outclassed and we played with fear,” said Johnson of the first half. “I was beyond angry at half-time.
“I told the lads I wouldn’t mind if they lost 5-0 as long as they showed the Bristol City spirit.
“In the second they were magnificent.”
From the moment Jack Grealish produced a sweet far-post volley from Leandro Bacuna’s fifth-minute cross, Villa took control and looked sure to end what is now a 25-match wait for an away victory.
But numerous chances went begging and just before the hour mark the game was turned on its head.
Lee Tomlin’s curling shot was parried by Pierluigi Gollini into the path of Tammy Abraham, who swept the rebound home from close range.
Two minutes later Abraham’s through ball saw Joe Bryan break into the box to beat Gollini with a low drive.
And, with City fans now in celebration mood, Tomlin wrapped up the points with a trademark free-kick from just outside the box on 82 minutes.
And Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo was left frustrated after watching his side switch off in the latter stages.
“For an hour we were much the better side and in control. But when they scored we lost confidence and didn’t look like a team any more,” he said.
“We became like 11 individual players on the pitch and lost the organisation we had for 60 minutes.
“Conceding a goal seems to cause us to lose confidence and it’s a mindset we need to change quickly.
“Bringing in new players will help us, but we also need time to work together as a group.
“We had good opportunities to build on our lead and even in the second half there were more chances.
“But we have to be able to ride out times when the other team are on top and not lose our heads.”