Hodgson - Reds not out of it

Fulham boss backs underperforming Liverpool

By James Riach   Last updated: 1st November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hodgson - Reds not out of it

Hodgson: Backing Reds

With a quarter of the season gone it is very early to be writing anybody off

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Fulham manager Roy Hodgson insists that Liverpool are still in the Premier League title race.

The Reds were beaten 3-1 by Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, with both Philipp Degen and Jamie Carragher getting sent off, and they now languish nine points behind leaders Chelsea.

But Hodgson, whose side condemned Liverpool to their sixth defeat in seven matches, believes the Anfield outfit still have it all to play for this season.

"You never know," he said. "They are a very good team, very well organised.

"They have some very good players and are unlucky at the moment that their talisman Steven Gerrard isn't playing and (Fernando) Torres isn't 100 per cent fit and has to be nursed through the games.

"But I can see them going on a really good run when they win seven, eight, nine games in a row and if that was to coincide with one or two defeats for the other top teams they would soon be up there again.

"With a quarter of the season gone it is very early to be writing anybody off.

"I remember not so long ago Manchester United were lingering in the middle of the table almost halfway through the season and went on to win it.

"If I was Sir Alex (Ferguson) or Arsene (Wenger) or Carlo Ancelotti I don't think I would be writing them off."

Competition

However, the Fulham manager was realistic about his own side's chance of a top-seven finish and a place in the Europa League places again.

"To be one of the best seven teams in the league is going to be very difficult for us on an annual basis," he added. "The club is not necessarily geared for that.

"More and more money is being spent and the top four is rapidly becoming the top seven in terms of financial power.

"It would be nice if we could treat our fans to a season when they are not biting their nails into the last two or three games and be a good enough team to occasionally spring surprises like we did here."

Comments (8)

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Terry Flynn (Liverpool fan) says...

I love Roy Hodgson, I think he's one of the most level headed managers in the league and he's done a fantastic job at Fulham, but he's just wrong. Liverpool are out of the title race, you just cant lose this many games at this stage in the season.

Posted 12:20 3rd November 2009

Mike Hunt (Manchester United fan) says...

Either he's being very sarcastic or very stupid. I could never see either Utd or Chelsea slipping up that bad to let Liverpool take the title away, I would still happily bet that Liverpool will once again walk away with nothing come end of the season. Maybe then they can sack Benitez and get in a manager competant enough to buy some decent players worthy of proving Liverpool are still a "big club" instead of living on past merits.

Posted 07:13 2nd November 2009

Kris Vams (Liverpool fan) says...

Yes, I truly believe that Liverpool are still in the Title race..It's just they are not having luck this season.. I don't see them playing very badly. It's clearly evident, we have had so many decisions against us this season on the pitch. That is why we lost those games. The game agnst Totenham at the begining of this season, referee was totally aginst us by not giving penalty when the ball touched Tot player's hand... In the agnst Sunderland, beach ball prevented us...That hurted us a lot.. That's the point where the players lost belief. It's all about belief. The players have to believe in themselves...For me Liverool wil definitely will get atleast one trophy this season. They are capable of doing this..We have got some great players.. Why crticise when they are in a bad situation ???? Lets support them till the end. That is true spirit of a Liverpool fan. Support someone who is in trouble..We should encourage them...You carry banners with some encouraging Qoutes about the players into the Stadium( Not beach balls which hurt them)). I still say that Liverpool are the strongest team in PL...Once Aqui, Steve, Glen, Riera are back, we will start winning...My suggestion for Anfield medical staff is to give nice treatment for players and protect them. Don't loose confidence...You will surely do it team..You will never walk alone..Rafa is defnitely a great Manager who can help Liverpool win tropihies.. Do not underestimate him...Support him...Encourage him....Encourage the players...

Posted 06:01 2nd November 2009

Adlai Walcott (Liverpool fan) says...

Liverpool not out of it yet ,but they have to do something very soon. Then the January window open the club have to make some very serious decisions if they want to remain a force in the EPL,if not they will have to settle for another cupless year, and the fans would not be very happy.

Posted 23:32 1st November 2009

Paul Liddle (Liverpool fan) says...

As a reds fan, We are in trouble at the moment . A few seasons ago we had one of the best defences in the prem now our back 4 to be honest are weak. Johnson was a good buy!! Jamie has been a good player for us, but lacks pace now, and finds it difficult against players with pace. Shame we didn't have Sami this season I believe he would have been used more than ever not as a replacment for Jamie, but to steady the ship at the back!! Feel we need a top central deffender with speed and the ability to tack the ball out.....

Posted 22:56 1st November 2009

Stewart Couper (Cowdenbeath fan) says...

I agree with Roy that Liverpool are far from out of the title race but what annoys me are the excuses about their poor form: "They have some very good players and are unlucky at the moment that their talisman Steven Gerrard isn't playing and (Fernando) Torres isn't 100 per cent fit and has to be nursed through the games." Fair enough Gerrard for me personally is the most complete midfielder in the world and Torres one of the best strikers but they dont make a team. Liverpool should still be able to produce wins and be organised without them, they should be prepared for times like this when influential players get sidelined

Posted 22:43 1st November 2009

Marc Gerolimatos (Liverpool fan) says...

Who are you kidding Roy! Liverpool's season is over. We will be knocked out of Europe on wednesday and then hopefully rafa will be sacked and we can bring in the "special one". Even if we went on a run of 7 or 8 games (highly unlikely, but even if we did) there's no way Man Utd with all of their experience, Chelsea or Arsenal are going to lose that many games. My prediction is we will finish 5th, Man City will claim 4th spot this year unless something drastic is done in January.

Posted 22:01 1st November 2009

Philip Parry (Liverpool fan) says...

I wish I had the same belief as hodgson in our team. I would be happy with two wins on the bounce at the moment. I noticed yesterday that as soon as torres went off the team lost all belief we could win the match although I do think fulham deserved the victory. As for some of our players they should be ashamed to wear a red shirt especially babel who shouldn't even be a pro footballer.

Posted 21:23 1st November 2009
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