Hodgson lashes out at "ridiculous" Internet rumours
Published 23:00 22/10/10 By David Maddock
Roy Hodgson has reacted angrily to what he believes is a smear campaign designed to undermine his position at Anfield.
The Liverpool boss showed rare aggression yesterday with an impassioned rebuttal of what he says are poisonous whispers of him clashing with Fernando Torres and most of his backroom team.
But he warned those behind the rumours that they would never force him to quit.
Hodgson denied the allegation over Torres, insisted players and staff were behind him and that the new owners know he inherited a “bad situation”.
He accepted Liverpool’s start to the season has been disastrous, but was adamant he would put things right given time.
Hodgson, who on Thursday saw his side battle to a goalless draw at Napoli, said he could not ignore vicious internet talk about him and the club.
He said: “There are web-sites that, frankly, write the most ridiculous things. It’s sad people write the most ridiculous things like I’m having fights with Fernando Torres or others.
“Someone told me yesterday a website had me falling out with the rest of the staff – now they have me resigning.
“I’d just say to the fans, of course keep reading the websites, but I wouldn’t take it too seriously if I were you.
“There isn’t an iota of truth in any of that and I think you saw the proof of that in Napoli, if you wanted any.
“There’s no doubt the dressing room, staff, everyone around the place is 100 per cent solid behind what we’re trying to do.”
Hodgson – who hopes to begin Liverpool’s revival against Blackburn tomorrow – accepted fans had every right to be disillusioned given their team are one off the bottom of the table.
But he believes the task he took on could not be solved by a short-term fix, and yesterday reminded Anfield’s new regime of their assurance he would be backed to sort out the mess.
“The owners said to me they give me their full backing,” said Hodgson.
“They said I’ve inherited a very bad situation and they think I’m the man to put it right.
“I’ve taken on a difficult job. There is lots to do, and unfortunately I haven’t had a very good start.”
