Report: Glen Johnson Unhappy With Roy Hodgson, Liverpool

Rumors of Glen Johnson's discontent at Anfield began to emerge in October, when it was reported that the right back was learning Spanish from his teammates and Rosetta Stone — sparking rumors that he may be interested in a move to La Liga.

Johnson then missed much of the month with a groin injury before making his return on Nov. 4 against Napoli, but has not featured since and has been ruled out for next week's England-France friendly. Johnson, though, isn't just upset with manager Roy Hodgson over his handling of the injury. The rift, in fact, runs far deeper.

Hodgson was surprisingly critical of his star defender at Friday's press conference.

"To be frank, he has not performed up to now to the level I would expect of him. You would have to ask him the question, "Do you think you are playing at top form and are you playing like the best right-back in the country for your club?" If he says yes, we will have to agree to differ. And if he says No, then you have to ask the question, why not?" the manager said.

Hogson did later apologize for his statement, saying "I didn't realise I had been accused of criticising him; I don't normally criticise my players and I'm sorry if that has been suggested."

Still, even his apology was far from conciliatory. "It is no good being a player with great ability if you are not bringing that on to the field of play," he also said.

Johnson has also taken issue with Liverpool's style of play under Hodgson, according to Daily Mail.

"Things have moved rapidly downhill for Glen since Roy arrived," said a source. "He finds the style of football boring and the way he was criticised by the manager in public was uncalled for. He was made to train too soon with a groin injury and it's kept him out for longer than it should have done."

Many have argued that Liverpool has taken too conservative of a tactical approach this season, and while that may be true, Hogdson's strategy surely has not suited Johnson.

As an offensive-minded defender, Johnson was able to make an impact under Rafa Benitez as a scoring threat, but with the deep defensive lines being taken by the Reds, Johnson's skill-set has been under-utilized.

Johnson's discontentment is particularly ill-timed for Hodgson, who has been the subject of significant criticism in his young tenure as Reds manager and will now look to recruit January transfers with outsiders knowing that he is feuding with his players.

His representatives will meet with head of football strategy Damien Comolli this coming week.

Bayern Munich has been monitoring Johnson's situation, and he will surely yield high interest throughout the Premier League and La Liga if his falling out with Liverpool continues to develop.