Gerrard sees red as Liverpool knocked out of FA Cup

Kenny Dalglish endured a frustrating return to the dugout as 10-man Liverpool went down to a 1-0 defeat against Manchester United in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

The Anfield icon was left stunned by the worst possible start to the encounter as Ryan Giggs gave the hosts a controversial second minute lead from the penalty spot before captain Steven Gerrard was shown a straight red card on 32 minutes for a lunge on Michael Carrick.

The Reds gave a good account of themselves in the second period but despite some magnificent support from the travelling Kop they could not find the breakthrough to force a replay.

It means our hopes of a first-ever visit to new Wembley will have to wait for another year while Dalglish and co will now turn their attention to Wednesday's trip to Blackpool and the small matter of next weekend's Merseyside derby with Everton.

Liverpool had gone into the Old Trafford encounter on the crest of a wave after a busy weekend had begun with an impressive Youth Cup victory over Crystal Palace and the sensational news that King Kenny would replace the departing Roy Hodgson in the hot-seat.

It led to a stark contrast in the mood of the supporters who had exited Ewood Park with their heads bowed in dejection following a midweek loss at Blackburn. Instead, 9000 members of the travelling Kop arrived in Manchester hopeful that their Messiah could inspire a sudden upturn in fortunes. [Read more…]

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Hodgson’s Tribute: Premier League managers’ view

Kenny Dalglish has paid tribute to former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson and expressed his delight at returning to the Anfield hot seat nearly 20 years after he left the job.

Hodgson was replaced by Dalglish on Saturday morning, having won just seven of 20 league games during his tenure. Relations with the club's fans grew strained as Hodgson questioned their support following a defeat to Wolves, and Liverpool's owners claim the former Inter Milan coach left by "mutual consent".

Dalglish flew into Manchester on Saturday evening ahead of Sunday's FA Cup third round tie at Manchester United, and he will take immediate control of the first team for the game.

"It's a great honour to be asked to come back," Dalglish told Sky Sports News. "It's under horrible circumstances because a very good man with great dignity and integrity has lost his job."

Asked how he will approach the United fixture, Dalglish replied: "We'll do our best. I'll have a kip and we'll go from there. I've just come off a plane!"

Liverpool's decision to axe Hodgson just six months after appointing him has not been welcomed by fellow Premier League managers, who claim the 63-year-old was not given enough time at Anfield.

"I am shocked because I rate Roy Hodgson as a great manager," Arsene Wenger said on Saturday. "It puts our job into perspective because he was Manager of the Year in July. It shows you how quickly we lose our qualities because he had to go six months later. Of course it is a shock and I feel our job suffers today."

Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier, himself stumbling across hard times at Aston Villa, also had sympathy for Hodgson, who managed just one away league win during his time as Liverpool manager.

"Roy got Manager of the Year last season so he was a great manager then and he still is today," Houllier said. "He's a fantastic person, I know him well but this world has become brutal, I mean it - if you lose two games you are in the firing line. I feel for him but Kenny has been a friend for a long time too."

Mark Hughes, who replaced Hodgson at Fulham, has backed his predecessor to bounce back from his latest disappointment, insisting he deserved longer to prove he was worthy of the job.

"It's very, very disappointing when you see a fellow manager lose his job," Hughes said. "But it's a league that thrusts focus on you every minute of the day and, at the end of the day, we're always judged on results. I'm sorry for Roy because he obviously was fantastic for Fulham for two years and deserved his chance to manage a top club. He's a good manager and I'm sure he'll come back.

"There's always that thinking that people who take over a club will always try to appoint their own man and there's many examples of that. There's a little bit of that in the Liverpool situation, I would suggest. But, listen, we're all grown men, we understand what happens. Sometimes, even when it's a little bit unfair, you've just got to get on with it."

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Hodgson out, Dalglish in

Roy Hodgson's miserable six-month reign ended with former title-winning player and boss Kenny Dalglish put in charge until the end of the season.

Since taking over from Rafael Benitez in the off-season, Hodgson presided over Liverpool's worst start to a season for more than 50 years — a dismal run of results that coincided with financial instability and a bitter court battle to oust unpopular American owners.

But even the arrival of Boston Red Sox owner John Henry in October 2010 couldn't halt the dire form on the pitch.

The club finally lost patience with the 63-year-old Hodgson after Wednesday's 3-1 loss at Blackburn. Liverpool are languishing in 12th spot in the Premier League and are sitting just four points above the drop zone.

The 63-year-old refused to answer questions on his future following the defeat at Ewood Park and speculation over his future intensified after his pre-match media briefing on Friday was cancelled.

Hodgson went to Anfield from 2010 Europa League finalist Fulham in July on a three-year contract. He left Anfield by mutual consent, a club statement said Saturday on the eve of an FA Cup match at archrival Manchester United.

Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have reportedly been looking at their possible options for a managerial change for over a week and they have now decided to act.

They had intended to see out the season with Hodgson before reassessing the situation but recent results - defeats to Blackburn and Wolves - and the deteriorating relationship with fans and associated falling attendances have prompted a rethink.

The club have turned to former player and manager Dalglish to take up the reins for the rest of the campaign and try and rescue a wretched campaign for the Merseyside titans.

   "We are grateful for Roy's efforts over the past six months, but both parties thought it in the best interests of the club that he stand down from his position as team manager. We wish him all the best for the future." said Principal Owner John Henry.

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Sack Roy Hodgson will leads to more uncertainty

Liverpool's new owners have been warned that even the sacking of Roy Hodgson might not be enough to stave off an exodus of their key players, including Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina. Although the manager's departure appears inevitable, and the two Spanish players would not leave during the winter transfer window, frustration at the club's inertia means they will go in the summer if they are not convinced by the new manager and handed reassurances of major investment.

The choice currently before Liverpool's owners, John W Henry and Tom Werner, is a huge one which will bring with it significant consequences. For some senior players sacking Hodgson is a step in the right direction. But while Hodgson continuing at the club would guarantee summer departures, his exit does not necessarily mean that Liverpool will be able to keep hold of their most important assets. With Liverpool immersed in a sale process last summer moves were blocked for Steven Gerrard, Torres and Reina; this year, it will be harder to prevent their departure. Liverpool quoted prices so prohibitive as to be a "not for sale" sign. At the same time reassurances were made regarding ambitions. Hopes had been pinned on new ownership and massive investment. As yet only half of that proposition has come to pass.

The arrival of a recognised, high-achieving coach will be vital if they are not to push for a transfer. Didier Deschamps, who was interviewed for the job last summer and remains a favoured candidate, appeared to rule himself out yesterday. The Marseille coach said: "When I talk about being the coach of Marseille in the new stadium, I mean it. It is an idea that pleases me. Now, 2014 is a very long way away in my profession. But I have said people should understand I am not a tramp. I proved it last year. I could have left."

Key Anfield squad members have been dismayed by the lack of activity from the new owners since they took over in mid‑October.

The lack of activity in this transfer window only increases that impression, with the club currently considering an offer for the Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka. Players feel that promises have been broken before and will not endure another season of underachievement and uncertainty.

Possible destinations are already being studied in case they should be required, but no decisions have been taken. Those clubs that tabled bids for Gerrard, Torres, Reina and Dirk Kuyt last summer are not necessarily expected to return 12 months on. The players are not expected to consider a move to Manchester United.

Following Liverpool's 3-1 defeat against Blackburn Hodgson refused to discuss a possible sacking, saying: "I am not prepared to talk about my future. At this moment I am depressed enough with the performance and the result. I am not here to talk about that. I have no comments to make and I don't intend to answer any questions on the subject." The club's director of communications then brought the press conference to a close and there was no indication from the owners today that they intend to change manager before Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie at Manchester United.

But Hodgson's days at Anfield are numbered. Fans have railed against him – he was met with graffiti at the club's training ground yesterday – and pressure builds to replace him. Progress is stalled by the absence of a chief executive at Anfield and the fact that the New England Sports Ventures group that owns the club continues to be based in the United States.

There has also been little opportunity over the Christmas period properly to discuss the club's next move. Kenny Dalglish, who currently occupies an ambassadorial role, made it clear that he wanted the manager's job in the summer before the former regime employed Hodgson – and he is still keen to take charge. There is, however, a reluctance to make a definitive decision at this stage, which only increases the uncertainty. With the situation being monitored closely by key players, it is a decision that must be made carefully.

Source: Guardian UK by Sid Lowe and Andy Hunter

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Liverpool ponder a move for Aston Villa midfielder

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is reportedly tracking Aston Villa's Stephen Ireland this month as he looks to strengthen his midfield.

Hodgson is desperate to add a spark to his under-achieving side and sees Ireland - who only joined Villa last summer - as a possible solution.

The former Manchester City starlet went to the Midlands club as part of the deal that took James Milner to Eastlands.

However, he has failed to hold down a first-team place since and - although rated by former Villa boss Martin O'Neill - does not seem to be on the radar of new manager Gerard Houllier.

As such, the 24-year-old Irishman could be up for grabs for as little as £4million - half his published price-tag for his involvement in the Milner transfer.

His age and previous Premier League form make him the perfect target for the Reds' new owners, who have previously stated they will only be looking at players who are young and cheap enough to demonstrate the potential for improvement during their Anfield stay.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, Metro

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Match Highlights: Blackburn Rovers 3-1 Liverpool

Liverpool's away day woes continued as they were beaten 3-1 by Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Wednesday night.

Martin Olsson opened the scoring for the hosts just after the half-hour mark, making no mistake with a cool finish after being sent bearing down on Pepe Reina's goal.

Benjani doubled Blackburn's advantage shortly after on 38 minutes when he held off Sotirios Kyrgiakos before unleashing an unstoppable effort beyond the Reds' goalkeeper.

The Zimbabwean forward then made it three early in the second half, tapping home from close range from Junior Hoilett's cross.

Steven Gerrard claimed a consolation for the visitors with 10 minutes remaining when he finished emphatically after pouncing on a loose ball inside the box.

But any hopes of a dramatic fight back evaporated when Gerrard blazed over from the penalty spot following a poor challenge by Michel Salgado on 86 minutes.

Liverpool went into the clash aiming to secure their opening away win of 2011 at the first hurdle having won just twice on the road in the Barclays Premier League in the whole of the previous calendar year.

However, both those successes had been achieved in Lancashire - at Burnley and Bolton - and following the manner of the dramatic New Year's Day win against the Trotters, the Reds embarked on the short journey to Ewood Park with renewed confidence. [Read more…]

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Liverpool interested in out of favour City striker

Liverpool have made an enquiry to Manchester City for Emmanuel Adebayor, skysports.com understands.

The Togolese star is one of a number of City players who have been linked with a move this January.

The former Arsenal striker is far from being first choice under Roberto Mancini and the imminent arrival of Edin Dzeko will push him further down the pecking order.

Now a host of clubs are making contact with City to register their interest in taking the 26-year-old.

And skysports.com understands that Liverpool are the latest club to express an interest.

However, they are not the only club looking at Adebayor, with Tottenham, West Ham and even Real Madrid linked with a move.

Liverpool would currently only be in the market to take Adebayor on loan given his wages and possible fee, with City unlikely to accept a cut-price deal for a player they paid over £25million for just 18 months ago.

But should City allow him to move on loan, then the Anfield club would hope to be in pole position to land him.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, SKY Sports

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POLL: Who should Liverpool FC appoints to succeed Roy Hodgson?

Let’s have a mini poll on the managerial issue surrounding Roy Hodgson future at Anfield.

Who should Liverpool FC appoints to succeed Roy Hodgson?

Let’s hear from all of you and leave your thoughts on the comment box below.

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