After arguably Liverpool’s best performance of the season at White Hart Lane, Roy Hodgson again went out of his way in his press conference to re-plant the few seeds of doubt he may have removed with an impressive attacking performance against Tottenham. Hodgson casually admitted days before the Tottenham game he wasn’t aware of the quality of the squad he had inherited at the start of the season, and that was to blame for poor performances and results. It is almost unfathomable for the manager of Liverpool, or any team, to give the excuse of underestimating his own players for a quarter of the season as a reason for the teams failings. Paradoxically, it appeared Hodgson may have began to realise the error of his ways. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be the case.
After Jamie Carragher’s injury on Sunday, Hodgson didn’t assure those present that it shouldn’t have too much of an impact on the team, nor did he cite his new found faith in the squad. Instead he said ‘we are not really that well blessed for centre halves’. A quick scan through the back of the programme says otherwise. Skrtel, Kyriagos, and Ayala are all available to play at the moment with the seniors being two of Liverpool’s best performers so far this season, whilst Ayala is making a very good impression on loan at Hull to give him that much needed experience. Not to mention the highly rated new recruit Danny Wilson, who as yet, hasn’t been given many opportunities. Then there is Martin Kelly who has impressed at full back this year, most notably against Chelsea, who can also fill in at centre back. And last but not least, probably our best centre back Daniel Agger, who is due to return from injury soon. For a man who think’s Liverpool aren’t ‘well blessed’ (or ‘incredibly over-staffed’- which is it Roy?) with centre halves, those mentioned above must think they’re doing something wrong.
Anyway, keep up the good work Roy. We are all eagerly awaiting the nonsense you and Houllier have to spout next Monday.
Submitted by Someteamupnorth
