Lee Johnson has criticised reported Derby County target Filip Benkovic among others following Bristol City’s weekend defeat, the BBC report.
Bristol City lost 2-1 at Huddersfield Town. Their third straight defeat.
Benkovic was a reported target for Derby County in January. The Telegraph claimed in late December how the Rams were hopeful of signing the centre-back.
The Robins, however, won the race for the Croatia international.
Benkovic has come into the Bristol City starting eleven. He ironically scored against Derby as Lee Johnson’s side beat the Rams 3-2 at Ashton Gate earlier this month.
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But since then he has struggled. And Johnson felt a couple of his new signings had put in an ‘upsetting’ performance in the defeat at Huddersfield Town.
I feel upset. As upset as I’ve been watching one of my teams with players I’ve signed. It was a very difficult watch. was substandard. I think a couple of the new players need to have a look at themselves for different reasons and quickly get into the programme.
Benkovic struggles to make an impact:
Benkovic started the game at Huddersfield. However, he lasted just 45 minutes, with Johnson hauling the defender off at half-time following a poor display.
Leicester City signed the player from Dinamo Zagreb for £13 million. The potential is there, yet he seems to have struggled with the rigors of Championship football.
Derby wanted a ball-playing centre-back in January. The Rams have been short since sacking of Richard Keogh following the drink-driving incident.
Mike te Wierik has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Derby in the summer. Manager Phillip Cocu will be hoping he fits the profile needed at Pride Park.
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