Johnson’s adopting Ferguson tactics
LEE Johnson says he has used one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s methods to ensure Sunderland are ready for their remaining League One fixtures this season.
The Black Cats’ head coach has had to cope with a number of injuries in defence but has plenty of options going forward if players are not performing - which was seen against Crewe with the introduction of Chris Maguire and Jordan Jones.
Sunderland have two league fixtures - against Rochdale today and promotion rivals Portsmouth before their EFL Trophy final date at the home of English football.
Johnson admitted he’s had plenty to consider in the run up to the EFL Trophy final.
He said: “I was saying this morning - I remember hearing stories about Sir Alex Ferguson, where he’s told players to get themselves ready for that game and it’s the important game for them.
“I’ve had to have one or two conversations like that today and it’s not being disingenuous, that’s a fact.
“We recognise a particular attribute in a particular game is very important.
“I suppose at the moment, the positive is we have the luxury to be able to do that over the next two or three games.”
Johnson added: “It’s something we’ve had to think about quite deeply if I’m honest with you.
“We have to win all the games so it’s not a case of horses for courses.
“You look at the opposition and think, right, can we subject our strengths on to them and project our dangerous and penetrative runs. To do that we need energy and the passes.
“We’ve had to be flexible and the boys deserve a massive amount of credit for how flexible they’ve been within the shapes we’ve played.” The Black Cats have had the EFL Trophy at the back of their mind but Johnson says using it as a motivational factor is something he can use if needs be.
He said: “I haven’t had to use that so far because the attitude of the players has been good. “Everybody knows that everybody wants to play at Wembley but we’re still fighting on all fronts and that means the league is as important as Wembley if not more so.”