Johnson hails Reds squad

Defender never doubted Torres' commitment

By Elliot Ball   Last updated: 9th August 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Johnson hails Reds squad

Johnson: Statement of intent

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Glen Johnson believes Liverpool have sent out a signal of intent to the rest of the Premier League by signing Joe Cole and keeping Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres at the club.

Fears were rife at the start of the summer that the Reds would lose their prized assets after failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League following a dismal seventh place finish.

Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City were linked with a move for star striker Torres, while Real Madrid were believed to be readying an offer for talismanic skipper Gerrard following Rafa Benitez's departure as Liverpool manager.

But not only have the five-time European champions been able to keep hold of their influential duo, but new boss Roy Hodgson has managed to add Cole to the mix, to the delight of Johnson.

The England international, who has been called up to Fabio Capello's squad for Wednesday's friendly with Hungary, claims that the Reds will be a much stronger outfit this season.

Statement

"I was always hoping Fernando would stay," Johnson told Liverpool's official website.

"Liverpool stayed strong and we have kept our best players. That's a statement in itself."

Johnson was chuffed to see former Chelsea team-mate Cole make the move North to Merseyside and has backed the free transfer signing to cut the mustard at Anfield.

"I've known Coley for years and it's nice to have another Cockney voice around the place. He opens defences and I think he will be a great player for Liverpool," he said.

"It definitely feels like a new start. We are hoping it will be better this year - everybody wants to get back into the top four. Fourth is the benchmark."

Liverpool's right-back also revealed how much he is enjoying working under new manager Hodgson.

"Roy is putting his thoughts to the team and knows what he wants," added the 25-year-old, who was one of the quintet of players to sit out of England's first training session on Monday.

"He concentrates on the organisation and how we defend."