Mancini challenges first team Johnson
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini during training
Since having drafted him in from Middlesbrough in 2010, the City boss has continuously voiced his opinion that the winger must remain consistent in his performances, while playing to the best of his abilities.
After a summer filled with speculation about Mancini willing to send him on to pastures new, the tactician has since announced Johnson will be staying put and must work to hold down his place in the starting eleven.
“Adam is in my plans," Mancini said. "Some players think that when they don't play, it's the boss' fault. I think he has to be playing for a top club but he's got to play at his top level."
Johnson failed to make the cut for Roy Hodgson’s England side at the Euros.
"It's not my fault he didn't play in the Euros. I think for the national manager it is difficult to choose.
"Adam is a very good player and probably deserved to go. Under Capello he played regularly. But he found himself in the same situation as Micah Richards, who is also a good player.
"Sometimes players have to stay at home. Now it depends on him, not me. If he deserves to play, he will."
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