We'll be strong, brave and bold: John Johnson

Bengaluru: With the AFC Cup final just a couple of days away, Bengaluru FC’s John Johnson is all keyed in for what he describes as ‘the highest point and the biggest game in the club’s history’. A throwback to the old mould of English centre backs, the defender is all set for the physical game that will be thrown his way by the bruising Air Force Club Iraq. Importantly, Johnson is keen to return the favour as well.

“I’m going to overpower them. I’m going to do what they want to do and be strong, brave and bold and hopefully we will be the side that will be doing the bullying in the game,” he stated. At his side in the heart of defence will be Spaniard Juanan. Although the duo haven’t played much together, just four competitive matches to be precise, they seem to have found a good balance. “It’s pretty similar as with Curtis Osano (former centre back at BFC). We just have a good balance. If it’s on his side he will go out and it’s working well. He is a big guy, a lot taller than me. He communicates really well despite his first language being Spanish. In the last few games we have looked really good and we complement each other well,” remarked Johnson on the partnership.

‘Tough task on hand’ Despite the confidence, the former Northampton Town defender knows the gravity of task at hand. “We just have to go there focused on the job, which is to win the trophy. Obviously the boys will be excited and that’s natural. We are all looking forward to it and we’ll give our best for sure. The main thing is to do what we practice in training and focus on that and hopefully we can win the trophy,” stressed the 28-year-old.

“There is pressure on us. The way we see it is that, we haven’t done anything yet by getting to the final. Yeah it’s good to get to the final but we have to go and win the trophy. This is the game we’ve been looking forward to. So we are focused on that,” he added. Historic as that night may be, there is a personal milestone awaiting Johnson if he were to lift the AFC Cup; with the I-League and Federation Cup medals already in his kitty, he would be the most decorated foreigner to play for an I-League side and also a select few to have all three titles.

“Oh, that would be nice! I didn’t know that but I will be looking forward for that. I don’t think much about personal stuff so much but it’s nice to have things that mean a lot. So yeah, might try a little bit harder now,” he signed off with a laugh.