Hodgson comments

[Modo]

Sorry if this already has been discussed. Tried to search found nothing.

“As a player you have a chance to change things around here.

“If you don’t think that the team is doing as well as it should, then as a player you can do something about it.

“Now if they are not playing well and not helping the team to win, I shall be advising them to also look in the mirror and not to constantly look for excuses elsewhere and blame the owners for not having spent £500 million. If we look at Real Madrid last season then they spent an absolute fortune on two or three players and it still didn’t get them what they wanted. They didn’t win the Champions League. They didn’t get to the semi-finals and they didn’t win their league or the Spanish Cup. I rest my case.

“The two most expensive players in the world par excellence [Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo] didn’t help them to do that. Are those players then entitled to say, ‘I shouldn’t have come here because this club lacks ambition?’ Or, is the club entitled to say, ‘We spent £150m on you two and we wanted you to help us win?’

“I think the players of the highest echelon do look in mirrors and do analyse their performance,†he said. “I am not fearful of (asking them to do) that.

“I am just sceptical about comments in which players are questioning the club’s ambition. I would tend to throw that back at them and say that the club’s ambitions rest in your hands, you’re the ones playing for us and you’re the ones people are paying to watch.

“We will push the players and some of them won’t like it, but my sympathy always lies with them and in my 36 years in management I have not been let down very often.â€
--------------

I've always liked uncle Roy, he has a great reputation in Sweden, but I was a bit sceptical when he joined. Since then he hasn't done or said anything wrong IMO. Hope he gets through to the players.
Like the phrase: "He talks the talk but does he walk the walk?"
We'll see how he does where it matters.

 

[gene hughes]

I don't like the Guardian headline for that article though..."Hodgson orders Torres to stop making excuses".

The Telegraph is also reporting the following...

Roy Hodgson admits a big offer for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres would be hard to resist
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is pleased Fernando Torres has pledged his future to the club after admitting the club would not be able to turn down a massive bid for the Spain striker.

By Telegraph staff and agencies
Published: 4:46PM BST 04 Aug 2010


Reality check: Roy Hodgson says a similar offer to Fernando Torres like that of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo 'would be impossible to turn down' Photo: AP Both Chelsea and Manchester City were rumoured to be considering a British transfer record bid for Torres, but he returned to pre-season training this week and insisted his commitment had not wavered.

Liverpool clearly did not want to sell the 26 year-old but it was felt had they received a bid in excess of £50 million they would have had to seriously consider it.


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''The important thing for Fernando and for us is that we have a good season - he as a player, us as a club and me as a manager,'' said the 62 year-old.

''Who knows what next season will bring? We could have a fantastic season and the players will not want to go anywhere or we could have a worse one and there will be more speculation.

''It could be he does so fantastically well and an offer comes in like the offer came in for Kaka or Cristiano Ronaldo (£56 million and £80 million respectively - both from Real Madrid) which is impossible to turn down.

''But we will take that problem when and if it arises but the important thing is it hasn't arisen this summer because he is going to be playing for us.

''He is committed to playing for us and he is going to honour his contract and it is good for me he has made it clear he likes the club and the fans.

''It is nice now the speculation can finally end once and for all after Fernando made it clear how absolutely committed he is.''

Amid all the rumours Hodgson, three weeks into his reign, flew out to see Torres while he was on holiday.

The player said he had been impressed by his new manager but Hodgson admits there were times when he feared he would lose Torres or Steven Gerrard, who was linked to Real before he committed his future to the club.

''I hate bland statements saying 'Don't worry, everything will be rosy' when you know the world of football and what we are up against,'' he added.

''I know the battles that have to be fought sometimes to get things right and I was anxious not to make any false promises.

''But it is a much nicer feeling today with all these players still with us with the possibility to bring in one or two new faces.''

However, Hodgson accepts his skills of persuasion may not be enough to keep Javier Mascherano at the club after he asked to leave, eyeing a reunion with former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez at Inter Milan.

''I think what Fernando was most impressed with was I spent about 15 hours on a plane to spend 15 minutes with him,'' added Hodgson.

''I think it will be slightly more difficult to persuade Javier to stay if a big offer comes in from a club he wants to go to.

''But the good thing is we haven't had that yet and as a result I can continue to work with him and just wait for the day, if it comes, when an offer comes in.

''If it was the offer that meets our valuation and he wants to go then I don't know if my powers of persuasion will be much good in that situation.

''But maybe they will never be needed because we might not get the offer, and he might stay with us anyway.''

 

[gene hughes]

I like Roy but he's made a few fuck-ups when talking to the gentlemen of the press. Admittedly a lot has been taken out of context but Roy should be more than aware of that and be more cautious.

 

[Dreambeliever]

I really don't mind it being taken out of context because I'm sure he will have addressed the entire squad anyway.

I'm really loving his approach so far.

I think we could be in for a massive season.

Maybe just maybe we finally have the motivator we all wanted.

 

[localny]

He's done well so far....now comes the hard part - RESULTS!

 

[kingjulian]

I don't see anything wrong with what he has said.

In fact, that is exactly what i want our manager to say.

This whinging habit, i feel, has filtered down from Rafa Benitez. He was going on and on about not having money. Year after year after year. But factually, he was only not given money for one season, his last. In all his other years, we were extremely well funded. In fact, clubs with lesser funding has often finished ahead of Benitez's team.

I'm glad that Roy Hodgson has attempted to put an end to that. It is not an excuse players can use. It is certainly not an excuse a manager worthy of anything can make. It cannot be allowed. Who wants a player who does not believe 'he can'?

My opinion of Roy has gone up 100 folds after reading that. I was openly against Roy's signing too. I wanted Kenny Dalglish.

 

[Farkmaster]

[quote author=Dreambeliever link=topic=41282.msg1148468#msg1148468 date=1280979096]
I think we could be in for a massive season.

Maybe just maybe we finally have the motivator we all wanted.
[/quote]

"'Who knows what next season will bring?" "We could have a worse [season than last year]"

LET'S FUCKING TAKE ON THE WORLD!!! COME ON YOU MIGHTY REDDDSSSSSS

Oh, sorry, I got carried away by that incredibly motivating call to arms!

 

[mark1975]

[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=41282.msg1148479#msg1148479 date=1280982201]
[quote author=Dreambeliever link=topic=41282.msg1148468#msg1148468 date=1280979096]
I think we could be in for a massive season.

Maybe just maybe we finally have the motivator we all wanted.
[/quote]

"'Who knows what next season will bring?" "We could have a worse [season than last year]"

LET'S FUCKING TAKE ON THE WORLD!!! COME ON YOU MIGHTY REDDDSSSSSS

Oh, sorry, I got carried away by that incredibly motivating call to arms!
[/quote]

I think he was talking in regard to how quickly things can change with players and that they could have a bad season or a good season and the personal result could still be the same, that they could move on.

I don't think he was saying it could go either way, though I don't think he's made false promises either. The club IS at a crossroads and without investment it could prove difficult. It's better than saying "I have a 5yr plan" or "I'm here to win the league".

I doubt he won the players over (like Torres and Gerrard) by saying we could have a shit season.

 

[Farkmaster]

[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=41282.msg1148480#msg1148480 date=1280982615]
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=41282.msg1148479#msg1148479 date=1280982201]
[quote author=Dreambeliever link=topic=41282.msg1148468#msg1148468 date=1280979096]
I think we could be in for a massive season.

Maybe just maybe we finally have the motivator we all wanted.
[/quote]

"'Who knows what next season will bring?" "We could have a worse [season than last year]"

LET'S FUCKING TAKE ON THE WORLD!!! COME ON YOU MIGHTY REDDDSSSSSS

Oh, sorry, I got carried away by that incredibly motivating call to arms!
[/quote]

I think he was talking in regard to how quickly things can change with players and that they could have a bad season or a good season and the personal result could still be the same, that they could move on.

I don't think he was saying it could go either way, though I don't think he's made false promises either. The club IS at a crossroads and without investment it could prove difficult. It's better than saying "I have a 5yr plan" or "I'm here to win the league".

I doubt he won the players over (like Torres and Gerrard) by saying we could have a shit season.
[/quote]

I know, I know, I was joking. I don't think Hodgson has done so well in the press though, and I think he does better when he's a bit more bristly, but it's not in his character.

Hodgson has been managing expectations and attempting to redefine success downwards, like any newcomer to a shit situation.

 

[keniget]

[quote author=gene hughes link=topic=41282.msg1148458#msg1148458 date=1280972392]
I like Roy but he's made a few fuck-ups when talking to the gentlemen of the press. Admittedly a lot has been taken out of context but Roy should be more than aware of that and be more cautious.
[/quote]

Agreed.

I think given everything going on with the club at the moment, it'd be better to say as little as possible.

 

[RolandG]

Forget the tabloids, we know where we stand with them so sensationalist headlines should always be taken with a pinch of salt because they are exactly what they are. Reading the interviews gives the impression that he would have considered a large offer for Torres. He probably would have if Torres didn't commit much like he will do with Mascherano. He knows that Mascherano wants to go but is keen to keep him despite this. That's a practical approach to take if big bids are received for want-away players but he also said that he didn't want a blank canvass and is happy to have the foundations of Gerrard and Torres to build on.

Roy is a breathe of fresh air. Cloak and dagger gets tiresome. There's absolutely nothing wrong in saying what you mean straight up. Leave nothing open to interpretation of others.

I'm loving his pragmatic and straight forward approach to the job. Go Roy!

 

[TheBunnyman]

I like Roy a lot, and was one of the few who wanted him as manager. But I feel these two interviews, close together, make it look like he's a bit cool on Torres. I particularly didn't like the 'we'd have to consider a massive bid' quote, just after Torres has committed his future to us. Obviously we don't know the background to all this, but I'd have preferred a more reassuring (for Torres and for us) overall message.

 

[manwithnoname]

[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=41282.msg1148521#msg1148521 date=1280995154]
I like Roy a lot, and was one of the few who wanted him as manager. But I feel these two interviews, close together, make it look like he's a bit cool on Torres. I particularly didn't like the 'we'd have to consider a massive bid' quote, just after Torres has committed his future to us. Obviously we don't know the background to all this, but I'd have preferred a more reassuring (for Torres and for us) overall message.
[/quote]

Agreed. Shut up Roy. What teh fuck was the point in saying that?

 

[doctor_mac]

I particularly don't like this when everybody (at least the London press) was primed for a massive bid this week from City. Torres' statement basically scuppered that before it happened. The thing was, according to the source, City had been contacted by the club inviting a bid, saying the club would be receptive, and it would be down to the player.

 

[Insignificance]

[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=41282.msg1148521#msg1148521 date=1280995154]
I like Roy a lot, and was one of the few who wanted him as manager. But I feel these two interviews, close together, make it look like he's a bit cool on Torres. I particularly didn't like the 'we'd have to consider a massive bid' quote, just after Torres has committed his future to us. Obviously we don't know the background to all this, but I'd have preferred a more reassuring (for Torres and for us) overall message.
[/quote]

Maybe he is just tempting City to show their cash before he gives them the finger?? 😉

 

[TheBunnyman]

Why not just say he's not for sale? Why would he be, if the club is on the verge of changing ownership? It's bizarre, frankly.

 

[RolandG]

[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=41282.msg1148533#msg1148533 date=1280995755]
I particularly don't like this when everybody (at least the London press) was primed for a massive bid this week from City. Torres' statement basically scuppered that before it happened. The thing was, according to the source, City had been contacted by the club inviting a bid, saying the club would be receptive, and it would be down to the player.
[/quote]
That being the case means Torres is staying. He re-affirmed his commitment to the club so that kills any speculation.

 

[Ossi]

I´m starting to like Roy! I like this "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country"-attitude...as long as the players are under contract they should always do their best. If it doesn´t suit the player- then he can fuck off.

 

[doctor_mac]

[quote author=RolandG link=topic=41282.msg1148541#msg1148541 date=1280996587]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=41282.msg1148533#msg1148533 date=1280995755]
I particularly don't like this when everybody (at least the London press) was primed for a massive bid this week from City. Torres' statement basically scuppered that before it happened. The thing was, according to the source, City had been contacted by the club inviting a bid, saying the club would be receptive, and it would be down to the player.
[/quote]
That being the case means Torres is staying. He re-affirmed his commitment to the club so that kills any speculation.
[/quote]

Yeah, but at the risk of sounding liking a conspiracy paranoid head, don't Hodgson's comments sound like someone who wanted to cash in? That he was among those who had decided to take the cash for Torres? And now he's a bit pissed off.

 

[rebel23]

I dont like his comments, Torres should not be for sale at any price

 

[Spionkop69]

[quote author=rebel23 link=topic=41282.msg1148593#msg1148593 date=1280999322]
I dont like his comments, Torres should not be for sale at any price


[/quote]

Another spambot.

 

[Ossi]

[quote author=rebel23 link=topic=41282.msg1148593#msg1148593 date=1280999322]
I dont like his comments, Torres should not be for sale at any price


[/quote]

So if a player is sulking, thinking he´s bigger than the club and wants to leave for a "better" club we should sell him because....?

 

[doctor_mac]

Hodgson needs to learn pretty quickly that his comments will be spun to create the most dramatic headline possible. At Fulham no-one was listening or cared. Now a few blundering comments and it is, 'Hodgson in Torres Ultimatum' etc. etc.

 

[Judge Jules]

[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=41282.msg1148590#msg1148590 date=1280999090]
[quote author=RolandG link=topic=41282.msg1148541#msg1148541 date=1280996587]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=41282.msg1148533#msg1148533 date=1280995755]
I particularly don't like this when everybody (at least the London press) was primed for a massive bid this week from City. Torres' statement basically scuppered that before it happened. The thing was, according to the source, City had been contacted by the club inviting a bid, saying the club would be receptive, and it would be down to the player.
[/quote]
That being the case means Torres is staying. He re-affirmed his commitment to the club so that kills any speculation.
[/quote]

Yeah, but at the risk of sounding liking a conspiracy paranoid head, don't Hodgson's comments sound like someone who wanted to cash in? That he was among those who had decided to take the cash for Torres? And now he's a bit pissed off.
[/quote]

Not to me. Roy wouldn't have flown out to talk to the guy if that was how he felt. He's not covered himself in glory with some of his press statements but I'm sure it's a case of clumsiness as opposed to anything more sinister.

 

[rebel23]

[quote author=Ossi link=topic=41282.msg1148597#msg1148597 date=1280999497]
[quote author=rebel23 link=topic=41282.msg1148593#msg1148593 date=1280999322]
I dont like his comments, Torres should not be for sale at any price


[/quote]

So if a player is sulking, thinking he´s bigger than the club and wants to leave for a "better" club we should sell him because....?
[/quote]

But he doesn't, Torres came out and said he's happy and Hodgson says LFC may not be able to resist a big bid? As if, it's quite easy to say Torres is not for sale at any price and is under contract. Until he has 2 years left on his contract and is refusing to sign a new ne then you start to worry

 

[rubans]

A little unnecessary those comments after Torres publically committed, not sure about Roy at the moment, has a small club mentality about him. Big clubs with ambition don't often sell their best players and get the feeling we will be linked to a lot more journeyman like Poulsan and Young while he's in charge. Doesn't mean this is a bad thing always but hopefully he can be bold too when needed too.

 

[doctor_mac]

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=41282.msg1148605#msg1148605 date=1280999662]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=41282.msg1148590#msg1148590 date=1280999090]
[quote author=RolandG link=topic=41282.msg1148541#msg1148541 date=1280996587]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=41282.msg1148533#msg1148533 date=1280995755]
I particularly don't like this when everybody (at least the London press) was primed for a massive bid this week from City. Torres' statement basically scuppered that before it happened. The thing was, according to the source, City had been contacted by the club inviting a bid, saying the club would be receptive, and it would be down to the player.
[/quote]
That being the case means Torres is staying. He re-affirmed his commitment to the club so that kills any speculation.
[/quote]

Yeah, but at the risk of sounding liking a conspiracy paranoid head, don't Hodgson's comments sound like someone who wanted to cash in? That he was among those who had decided to take the cash for Torres? And now he's a bit pissed off.
[/quote]

Not to me. Roy wouldn't have flown out to talk to the guy if that was how he felt. He's not covered himself in glory with some of his press statements but I'm sure it's a case of clumsiness as opposed to anything more sinister.
[/quote]

You're probably right. But why would he say that Torres would be available at the right price just when we're about to (no matter who buys us) get a cash injection and a new energy? It was a bit stupid and negative.

 

[HC]

I'm reserving judgment on him until after we've beaten city and arsenal and the world and its dog thinks were nailed on for the title.

 

[manwithnoname]

[quote author=Hardcastle link=topic=41282.msg1148612#msg1148612 date=1280999884]
I'm reserving judgment on him until after we've beaten city and arsenal and the world and its dog thinks were nailed on for the title.
[/quote]

Well, as usual, I'd be confident of beating anyone at Anfield (except maybe Chelsea/ United).

I just worry about what that first team is going to look like, given our transfer dealings so far.

I just have a natural pessimism about take-over talk and £150m "warchests" and all that.

I think we'll start the season pretty much the same as where we are now. God, I hope I'm wrong.

 

[doctor_mac]

[quote author=rubans link=topic=41282.msg1148607#msg1148607 date=1280999723]
A little unnecessary those comments after Torres publically committed, not sure about Roy at the moment, has a small club mentality about him. Big clubs with ambition don't often sell their best players and get the feeling we will be linked to a lot more journeyman like Poulsan and Young while he's in charge. Doesn't mean this is a bad thing always but hopefully he can be bold too when needed too.
[/quote]

I do think the emboldened bit is worryingly true at the moment. But it is early days yet.