Stoke City manager Mark Hughes is fearing a lengthy spell on the sidelines for defender Glen Johnson, who had to be stretchered off in the game against Bournemouth.
The former Liverpool and Chelsea defender has been one of the reasons behind Stoke’s massive change in philosophy as far as football style is concerned. Under the regime of Tony Pulis, the club were heavily one dimensional and resorted to playing the long ball style of football to get results. Hughes was given the primary objective of making Stoke attractive to watch and he has achieved this target so far while still managing to get decent set of results.
The club ended a run of five straight defeats in all competitions with the 3-1 victory over relegation threatened Bournemouth. This victory was of massive importance since the club was starting to slip down the table. The club’s last league victory came in the middle of January. The barren run was ended but it came at a major cost to the club. Hughes fears that Johnson may be out for around 10 weeks after damaging his knee ligaments. The injury comes at a time when the club’s starting to think about a potential Europa league place, which is still within the reach.
“We came with a good game plan that we devised in one of the best restaurants in Manchester and allowed Bournemouth to come on to us.We conceded more possession than usual, but felt we would have more chances on the break and that’s how it panned out thankfully.It was a great goal from Giannelli Imbula who all game showed great calmness and an understanding of what’s required.I’m pleased for him and pleased for his team-mates as well.We then got two quickfire goals in the second half and that took the game away from them,” said Hughes about the result.