http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896...ners-pondering-over-the-future-of-roy-hodgson
6 Jan 2011 11:28
Liverpool's owners are considering whether to sack manager Roy Hodgson, according to Sky Sports.
The Reds are currently undergoing a rocky period as their recent run of results has seen them failing to rise above the mediocrity of a mid-table position in the Premier League, despite having recovered from a difficult start in the campaign when they were in the relegation zone.
A recent run of three losses in their last four league games has seen the fires of speculation being fanned around the former Fulham boss, particularly more so as he has failed to win over fans of the club.
The 63-year-old's side fell to yet another difficult defeat recently against Blackburn, as a Benjani double and a goal from Martin Olsson saw the Venky's-owned club triumph over their more illustrious opponents.
Even Wolves locked horns with Liverpool and managed to beat them at Anfield, like Blackpool and Northampton Town - in the League Cup - had done before.
BBC Sport also claims that the Reds' owners are pondering over whether Hodgson is the right man to lead the club, but no decision concerning his future is thought to have been taken just yet.
For his part, the boss chose not to dwell on his future following the bitter defeat to Blackburn, while insisting that he felt disheartened by the result.
There have been reports that club legend Kenny Dalglish could be called on to manage Liverpool - if Hodgson is shown the door - on a temporary basis for the rest of the season, at which point a permanent replacement could be installed.
http://www.espnstar.com/home/news/detail/item558356/FA-Cup-loss-could-end-Hodgson-reign/
FA Cup loss could end Hodgson reign
Steve McMahon and Paul Parker believe that Roy Hodgson’s future at Liverpool could hinge on how they fare against Manchester United.
Speaking ahead of the lead-up before the two clubs' do-or-die Third Round FA Cup clash, the two ex-Premier League players, who have three FA Cup winner's medals between them, were both of the opinion that the tie could mean the end of Hodgson's reign at Anfield, should they lose badly to the Red Devils.
Speaking at the ESPN STAR Sports studios to reporters, McMahon said: "Hodgson clearly can't afford to tinker and save players for such an important fixture, especially against Liverpool's bitter rivals."
"He (Hodgson) has everything to lose- if he wasn't facing the sack (after their 3-1 loss to Blackburn) he certainly will if they lose to Manchester United", the ex-Liverpool captain added.
Ex-Manchester United player Parker was in agreement, but believes that even if Liverpool beat the Red Devils, their victory would not guarantee that Hodgson's future will be secure.
"Everyone thought that when Liverpool beat Chelsea it would be a turning point for Hodgson's side", Parker said.
"There's just been too many blips this season at Anfield, and it's really not about who they beat anymore, but whether Liverpool can actually get a run of wins going in order to get some momentum", he added.
According to McMahon, the result would depend much on "which Fernando Torres showed up".
"Torres can turn it on when he wants to, and he has always given Nemanja Vidic a torrid time", the ex-Liverpool player declared.
"The question is, which Torres turns up? "If it's the Torres of this season- with a body language that shows he doesn't want to be around- then this game will be easy for Manchester United!"
Paul Konchesky could very well have to contend with an in-form Nani if Sir Alex Ferguson decides to play him, and Parker believes that the Portuguese could prove too hot to handle for the Liverpool defender.
"Nani has been the most consistent wide player in the Barclays Premier League this season, and Konchesky is simply an average player, and simply not good enough for Liverpool", Parker said.
McMahon also believes that the state of mind of the Liverpool players could prove crucial in determining how the FA Cup tie would swing, saying: " They (Liverpool players) will be distraught, and if United score an early goal Liverpool could be in for a hiding!"
With the question on everyone's lips about Roy Hodgson's future, both players were asked who they thought would be good to take over at Anfield.
Interestingly enough, McMahon believes Jurgen Klinsmann would be a good fit for the Merseysiders.
"Klinsmann, for me, has got bright ideas, and what's more, has a wealth of knowledge about the game, especially with his connection with German football and the young talent in the country", he said.
"What Liverpool need is a manager who's young, fresh, exciting, and is knowledgable about European football", McMahon added.
Parker agreed, adding: " The next manager will need to be able to make changes without ruffling too many feathers ,not like Graeme Souness. That will buy him some time to improve the side while maintaining momentum."
When asked by reporters, both ex-players pointed to a Manchester United victory, with Parker plumping for a 2-0 win for the Red Devils, and McMahon deciding on a 3-0 scoreline to Ferguson's men.