With the announcement of Roy Hodgson as Liverpool’s new manager, what should we expect from him? The 62-year-old has enjoyed a successful spell at Fulham since taking over in December 2007, notably reaching the final of ther Europa League last season, and it seems that this success has earned him the chance to replace Rafa Benitez and attempt to improve on last seasons disappointing seventh place finish.
With the current financial difficulties at Anfield, it is inevitably being speculated that Hodgson will have little or no money to spend on transfers, and he will have to generate funds through selling big names players like Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano. But even if the club does manage to bring in some big fees, it is not known how much of the income Hodgson would receive to spend on players, which would make it even harder to replace the outgoing stars.
However, one of Hodgson’s greatest successes at Fulham was getting the best out of seemingly average players. Aaron Hughes is a player who has never really stood out at the clubs he has played for, but under Hodgson he has become a key player for Fulham, and one of the most improved players in the Premier League. Another example is Damien Duff, whose career seemed to be going downhill since leaving Chelsea. But since joining up with Hodgson, Duff looks revitalised, and seems to be recapturing the his Blackburn form which once persuaded the Stamford Bridge side to pay £17million for him.
But perhaps the best example is that of Bobby Zamora. He has gone from one of the most ridiculed strikers in the Premier League, to a man Fabio Capello has said he wants in the next England squad. He scored just five goals in his first season with the Cottagers, and nearly joined Hull City, but opted to stay and fight for his place in the first team. Hodgson repaid his commitment and managed to get the best out of Zamora, as the striker hit 21 goals last season and famously gave Fabio Cannavaro a torrid time when Fulham played Juventus in the Europa League.
If Hodgson can get these kind of performances out of the likes of Hughes, Duff and Zamora, imagine how he could help improve the games of players like Lucas Leiva, Emiliano Insua and David Ngog. With little funds available, Hodgson’s ability to get the best out of players could be crucial for the coming season, and I am backing him to succeed.
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stability is what we need & that is why they went 4 hodgson & he done exceptional last season with fulham so what will he do at liverpool with gerrard torres aquillani kuyt only bring out the best in them.new day we need to start backing our team & stop slagging them down.just listened to sky sports & they reckon a private investor is going to cum in not gave there name they r not from middle east & they have money to spend start of a new day for all lfc fans so give hodgson a chance y.n.w.a.
What stability can Hodgson bring unless he’s going to be a “Yes man” and not rock the boat by challeging the decisions of the board and owners.
I’ve got nothing against him and he did well last year with Fulham but I don’t think that he brings anything special to the club.