LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson insisted he could cope with the mocking taunts of supporters after his struggling side hit rock bottom this season.
Fans turned on Hodgson during a shocking 1-0 home defeat by relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield here on Wednesday.
Thousands sarcastically chanted “Hodgson for England” after he replaced David Ngog with Ryan Babel during the second half while they also bellowed the name of club legend and former boss Kenny Dalglish.
Dalglish was overlooked for the manager’s position when Rafa Benitez left in pre-season.
“I am getting used to it,” said Hodgson after Stephen Ward’s 56th minute goal sentenced Liverpool to a third defeat in four games.
“That’s the way it is. He (Dalglish) was a rival for the job but the job was given to me and he is a Liverpool legend,” the former Fulham manager added.
“I don’t like hearing those things. I am trying to do the best job I can and I am working hard. It is not something I appreciate but it is not something I can control.
“It’s the Kop’s way of showing they are not happy with the way the team is playing.
“As manager, you have to accept responsibility for that and take it on the chin.
“We have had to live with that for some time. Ever since I came here the famous Anfield support hasn’t really been there,” said Hodgson in a remark that risked alienating yet more sections of Liverpool’s core support.
“You have seen these players before. They are just not playing like they have done in the past so I think it is time for the fans to really help as well,” added Hodgson, who has managed in several European countries including a spell at Italy’s Inter Milan.
“It is not for lack of trying that we are not winning matches. Maybe we are lacking quality and lacking confidence and the negativity doesn’t help. The players are not getting on the ball for fear of making mistakes.”
Liverpool end 2010 in 12th place in the Premier League but just three points above the relegation zone and another home defeat to Bolton on New Year’s Day could spell the end of Hodgson’s six month reign.
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