Johnson ignores critics ahead of Italy clash
(MENAFN- Kora) Johnson's men have just six points to their name in two matches, falling to Ireland 28-6 before being shut out 20-0 by England
But the coach gave little thought to what was being said about his side in the media, despite a looming bottom-of-the-table clash with the Italians at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday
"I haven't given it a second thought to be honest," Johnson said
"All I care about is the team - did we perform well? We didn't. Should we be disappointed? Yes we should
"It's amazing - the people that judge you the most know you the least
"I am happy with who I am. I'm not changing. And I don't really care what they say about me
"Everyone is entitled to their opinion, I'm not going to hold it against them. The people I care about are the people that are close to us.
Sir Clive Woodward was one critic of Scotland's performances, claiming they would struggle to beat Aviva Premiership sides as it stood, while former Scotland international Peter Wright also weighed in to level criticism at the coach
Johnson has reacted to his side's form by dropping Dave Denton to the bench, and bringing Johnnie Beattie into the number eight role
Also joining the squad are lock Richie Gray and hooker Scott Lawson, with Johnson claiming the former has been on the radar for a recall to add to his 34 caps
"I spoke to Richie in the autumn and said there were areas he need to work on his game. To be fair on him and his club (Castres), who have been very good to us, he's gone back and shown genuine signs of improvement," Johnson said
"Coinciding with that is the fact that our set-piece has let us down a bit. We feel that his improvement allied with his ability to be offensive and defensive at line-out helps us, and we need that.
But the coach gave little thought to what was being said about his side in the media, despite a looming bottom-of-the-table clash with the Italians at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday
"I haven't given it a second thought to be honest," Johnson said
"All I care about is the team - did we perform well? We didn't. Should we be disappointed? Yes we should
"It's amazing - the people that judge you the most know you the least
"I am happy with who I am. I'm not changing. And I don't really care what they say about me
"Everyone is entitled to their opinion, I'm not going to hold it against them. The people I care about are the people that are close to us.
Sir Clive Woodward was one critic of Scotland's performances, claiming they would struggle to beat Aviva Premiership sides as it stood, while former Scotland international Peter Wright also weighed in to level criticism at the coach
Johnson has reacted to his side's form by dropping Dave Denton to the bench, and bringing Johnnie Beattie into the number eight role
Also joining the squad are lock Richie Gray and hooker Scott Lawson, with Johnson claiming the former has been on the radar for a recall to add to his 34 caps
"I spoke to Richie in the autumn and said there were areas he need to work on his game. To be fair on him and his club (Castres), who have been very good to us, he's gone back and shown genuine signs of improvement," Johnson said
"Coinciding with that is the fact that our set-piece has let us down a bit. We feel that his improvement allied with his ability to be offensive and defensive at line-out helps us, and we need that.
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