Oliver Glasner has urged Brennan Johnson to relax after an indifferent start at Crystal Palace.
Johnson joined Palace during the winter transfer window in a £35 million move from Tottenham Hotspur, becoming the club’s record signing at the time – later surpassed by Jørgen Strand Larsen.
The 24-year-old has made 12 appearances since making the switch from Spurs, seven from the start, registering just two assists in the front three.
Scorer of the winning goal in the Europa League final last season, Johnson was a favourite of Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, scoring 18 goals and amassing seven assists in all competitons.
However, Postecoglou’s exit after their European success signalled the beginning of the end for Johnson at Spurs, with Thomas Frank restricting his minutes and sanctioning a sale to Palace in January.
Johnson will return to relegation-threatened Spurs on Thursday, but will not have to face Frank after he was sacked in February and replaced by Igor Tudor.
Before travelling to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a new strip, Eagles boss Glasner wants the Wales international to trust in his ability.
“He’s had a good start,” said Glasner. “He could have had three or four assists in his first games.
“To get the assist, you always need the finisher, and they missed a few chances where he could’ve had very good assists.
“I hope he doesn’t want to prove himself. It’s important to be Brennan Johnson, not to prove anything – he doesn’t need to prove anything.
“He’s such a great player. He has everything you need as an attacking player.
“I feel he sometimes puts himself under too much pressure and then doesn’t play with the freedom every attacking player needs and should have to show his incredible skill.
“He should just enjoy playing football, and then he will be the best version of himself and have the best performance.”
