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Derby County boss hails 'lunatic' Stoke City player as he reveals career story
Paul Warne admits he is delighted his old charge Viktor Johansson is thriving at Stoke City after seeing the work the keeper put in to earn his chance.
Johansson had been released by Leicester City at the age of 21 during lockdown in 2020 when he turned up for a trial at Warne’s then Rotherham United. He shot up the pecking order thanks to a ferocious attitude to training and gradually became a fans’ hero because of his bravery, agility and character. He was player of the season in 2021 and 2023 and won promotion in 2022.
Now aged 26 and having joined Stoke from Rotherham in the summer, Johansson waited to catch up with his old boss after Stoke beat Warne’s Derby County 2-1 at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
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Warne said: “What people don’t really know, and I would love this to get out to all kids, is that Viktor came to me at Rotherham on trial. His life hasn’t been this linear, amazing ‘I’m the best keeper in the world, everything’s great’ trajectory. He came to me on trial because he got released. He came in as my third choice goalkeeper and trained like nobody else. He’s a lunatic in the nicest possible sense, he gives everything to the team every single week.
“He was a great keeper with Josh Vickers for me and then obviously last season was a tough year for Rotherham but he was the outstanding performer.
“He’s so content here. I’ve just spoken to him. He waited for me after I’d had a chat with my players. His life is really good. Obviously I’ve got the Swedish number two and I must have some skillset with Swedish players, which is great if I ever need another goalkeeper.
“I’m really pleased for him that it’s going so well because if any footballer deserved it for how hard they have worked to get where they are then he’s that person. It’s a good message to everyone who thinks that their career isn’t going the right way – it’s worth fighting for.”
