Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 10y

Fabian Johnson favours Borussia Monchengladbach position switch

Fabian Johnson was delighted following Borussia Monchengladbach's 4-1 win over FC Schalke 04, which saw the U.S. international start in left midfield, and then switch to right-back in the second half.

"My versatility is working in my favour," the 26-year-old said.

Last week, Azerbaijan boss Berti Vogts warned Borussia Monchengladbach coach Lucien Favre not to play Johnson out of position.

Jurgen Klinsmann's assistant at the World Cup said: "Left midfield is not Johnson's position, he might have three touches of the ball in 90 minutes there. He is a right-back."

At the weekend, Gladbach boss Lucien Favre handed Johnson his first Bundesliga start for the club he joined from Hoffenheim on free transfer this summer.

The U.S. international started in left midfield, where he replaced Guinea international Ibrahima Traore, who was rested after featuring for his country underneath the week. At half-time, Johnson however switched to right-back to take the injured Tony Jantschke's position.

"It all depends on how the coach sees it. It's bad for me if he benches me because I can play two positions," Johnson told Rheinische Post after the match.

"But if it's like today that I just switch from left to right, my versatility is working my favour."

While Gladbach coach Favre has claimed that Johnson prefers to play in left attacking midfield, Johnson dropped hints that he feels more comfortable at right-back.

"I think that I am just better practised at right-back. I have played that position in my last games for Hoffenheim, and also played it at the World Cup," he said.

"I can use my speed, and in left midfield I am not automatic. But should the coach play me in left midfield, I will try and give it my all for the team on that position."

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