The next Leeds?

Roy Hodgson has faced a number of niggling criticisms since taking charge of Liverpool. The majority of which are concerned with tactics, formations and player purchases.

One further issue though, which is certainly starting to grate on the nerves of some supporters, is the way Hodgson has spoken in the media. For the moment, Hodgson is still very much the media's darling. An English manager who worked wonders at Fulham and has landed a job at one of the biggest clubs in the country. What Hodgson has to realise though is precisely that - Liverpool are the most decorated club in England and supporters expect that their tradition is respected and the club aim to win every match they play.

Realistically Liverpool won't challenge for the title this season, it would be nieve to think so, but hearing such statements from the man in charge are still deflating.

Rafa Benitez was never a manager to elaborate much. When talking to the press, Benitez firmly held his cards to his chest. One thing he did emphasise though was the importance of trying to win every game. No matter how he felt inside the Spaniard always presented an upbeat front, upholding the tradition that Liverpool would try and win everything they entered, even if sometimes it was never possible.

It's the kind of fighting talk that Roy is lacking at the moment. Life as a Liverpool supporter is grim enough at the moment, but the manager must exhibit some sort of positivity. Take the recent games against West Brom and Birmingham. Here are some of Hodgson's quotes after the repsective matches;

"We had to fight very, very hard for it, all credit to West Brom for doing so well. Also, credit to our lads because these games are very difficult games - luckily the class of Gerrard and Torres won us the game. This is a very good result, if West Brom play like that every week they will get points off quite a few teams."

It's a cliche that there's no easy games in football, but seriously, West Brom at home? The comment about relying on Gerrard and Torres is a painful one. Liverpool have a number of quality international footballers who should be miffed at such a quote - it definitely demeans the rest of the squad.

"I think coming to Birmingham and playing against a team in such good form, 17 games unbeaten at home, we can feel satisfied at least that we won a hard-earned point. It was important to come here today and not lose the game because if we had of done we have Manchester United next and it makes life difficult for you."

Hodgson is right to imply that Birmingham away is potentially a tricky fixture, but to state that it was imperative not to get beat with Manchester United coming next insinuates that he's not exactly hopefuly for the trip to Old Trafford.

Most recently of course, Hodgson has re-affirmed his friendship for Mr. Ferguson. Not a good thing to do when you manage Liverpool. Ferguson has had countless swipes at Liverpool down the years and continues to do so. Befriending the opposing manager of your fiercest rivals probably isn't the best way to endear yourself to an Anfield faithful. By all means, Hodgson has a right to be Ferguson's chum, just don't openly state it in public.

The new man in charge must grasp the philosophy of Liverpool football club before supporters become totally disorientated with proceedings. Perhaps managing a club with the ethos of Fulham, a London club forever in the shadow of much bigger sides, has ingrained the way Hodgson talks. 'Little 'Old Fulham' were the underdogs throughout their Europa League campaign but Hodgson is in different waters now and the quicker he realises that the better.

- the loan of aquaman - the team lack of creativity

On the 2nd goal actually Konchesky could have saved it as he was supposed to be the post man but I wasn't really sure what he was doing by standing slightly further away from post n hiding behind Reina...

I don't actually see releasing Aquilani as a mistake. I see buying him as a bigger mistake because he made no contribution as he was either sick, injured, or too fragile. 20 million down the drain.

gullible fans still believe in the american lies. if hick gets his way, how can we ever condemn world class players leaving us. we are stacked like a deck of cards & already the foundation is weak to begin with.

I wish not of the ill path but there are too many ill signs to suggest we are a like an sickening runaway train when rafa was sacked.

thanks fergie for the support of RH who is in talking friendly terms with you. It makes realise how much a threat he the fat spainish was to you. Football is war, winning thropies is serious. I dont see generals need to be licking your sandals everytime topic of english football (our rivalry) is mentioned. 

liverpool sucks. benitez suck big time. so do hogson. no UCL for them again next season for sure

last season carragher also the last man to hold owen yet not  sending off

To be fair,
Liv has been getting away from several potential penalty in the past few games even this game, especially our defenders nowadays like to holds on opponent shirt during set-piece and corner kick time. 

Even it ended up a draw, there still lot of worry on the performance side.

Damn yanks are going to refinance their loans again. Seriously, if this were 10 years ago, there would be little doubt we'd collapse the same way Leeds did. Our saving grace is that billionaires are looking for a new hobby and football is near top of the list. Now if only those two clowns would just cut their losses and leave.

Troller? How f***ing can someone save that second goal?

some of u blame the lack of creativity but i'd blame it on the narrow play n absence of natural width to widen the play and opening up spaces and also minimal running behind defenders.. esp considering we had most of the possession

Damn yanks are going to refinance their loans again. Seriously, if this were 10 years ago, there would be little doubt we'd collapse the same way Leeds did. Our saving grace is that billionaires are looking for a new hobby and football is near top of the list. Now if only those two clowns would just cut their losses and leave.

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Added on September 20, 2010, 12:20 pm

The lack of insight in your statement is surpassed only but your apparent lack in intelect.

1st goal u dont blame torres not markin bbtov well?
2nd goal u dont blame skrtel or carra not markin bbtov?
3rd goal u dont blame carra lost aerial against bbtov?

all 3 goal are caused by poor MARKING

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson accuses Liverpool star Fernando Torres of 'cheating'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...l#ixzz1039SnZBA

Yea, right... Remember that made-of- taufu Portuguese that fall at every opportunity and make a big fuss out of it...Who's the cheat?

taufu in solid packaging still very stiff bro lol
i think the portugese had been to ballet class of late...