First of all I would like to thank Roy Hodgson for his time as the manager of Liverpool Football Club and wish him all the best for the future. I think this change was necessary to improve the clubs current situation and to preserve Hodgson’s reputation. Roy’s problems during his reign were mixed, some of them his fault and others not.
When Hodgson arrived at Anfield, the club was in turmoil. The club was up for sale, Fernando Torres was injured and Mascherano wanted to leave. Benitez had left a good first team but with little or no strength in depth. Hodgson did not have a big budget to improve this, and was also without vital Champions League finances, estimated to be £20 million. Hodgson did well by bringing in Meirelles, a very classy player, but other signings such as Paul Konchesky and Christian Poulson failed to instil confidence.
Another thing working against Roy is the loyalty of many players to Rafa Benitez. Fernando Torres had credited Rafa with turning him into a world class striker. Glen Johnson prospered under Rafa’s tactics and did not fit into Roy’s 4-4-2. Luck also had a big part to play, with Joe Cole being injured and the other big players struggling to find form.
Having said all of that, Roy did not do himself many favours. He criticised the fans and players publicly. His tactics left a lot to be desired. I think the job was too big for him. Having been manager of the year at Fulham, with the team being hard to beat, but without really playing football, he was a big fish in a small pond. At Liverpool, we demand good football and results, neither of which we got. I also think Roy lacked the charisma to be a manager of a big club. We respected Rafa for taking on Ferguson and Mourinho, but Roy did not have this quality, and this affected our respect for him.
I would also like to say that I do not agree with the behaviour shown by a section of the supporters towards Roy Hodgson. Graffiti stating ‘Hodgson Out’ written on the wall of Melwood and singing ‘You’re Getting Sacked in the Morning’ at our home matches is not the Liverpool way. Our fans have always supported the team and voiced our opinions in different ways. Having said that, I am pleased that Roy has gone.
As previously said, I wish him all the best for the future. Bringing Kenny in as interim manager will appease the fans, and hopefully inspire the players. I would imagine any transfers that will be completed will be those of Damien Comolli. I feel today we are more dangerous than we were yesterday, and I think we will give United a run for their money. Hopefully we can now push on, finish the league in a respectable position and appoint a promising manager in the Summer.
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