Hodgson apologizes to Liverpool fans after rant

Posted on January 1, 2011 by SoccerPunter

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has apologised to the club’s supporters after criticising them in an angry outburst following Wednesday’s shock 1-0 defeat against struggling Wolves at Anfield.

Hodgson was furious after sections of the Liverpool support showed their displeasure at his reign with a sarcastic chant of “Hodgson for England” before calling for Reds legend Kenny Dalglish to be installed as manager.

Liverpool are just three points above the relegation zone after their worst start to a Premier League season and Hodgson is facing a fight to save his job.

The former Fulham boss, who only replaced Rafael Benitez as boss in June, said after the game he had never had the “famous Anfield support” in his six months in charge.

That was seen as a clear attack on his critics in the crowd but, with his fans said to be angry at his comments, Hodgson on Friday moved to quell the unrest.

“Things have been misinterpreted,” Hodgson said. “I’m afraid people have taken one small comment where I was describing my situation.

“I was responding to a question about how it felt to be jeered by fans, making it clear it hurts me and I was disappointed by it because no-one wants to feel they are unpopular.

“I understand it is up to me to take it on the chin but it’s not been an easy ride for me.

“It’s been an uphill struggle and I was not the first choice appointment with a lot of fans. But if I have offended them in any way I deeply regret that.

“All I can do is apologise and make it perfectly clear there was nothing offensive in my comments.”

Hodgson said supporters were perfectly entitled to their views and accepted he and the team had to do more to improve their enjoyment.

“Fans always have the right to show their anger and disapproval – we’ve got fantastic fans but you have to give them something to be passionate about and we didn’t do that on Wednesday,” he added.

“I don’t think they were happy with anyone and as manager you are first in the firing line.

“The Anfield support will always be there and what’s more it’s better in times of crisis.”