Hodgson: I can't guarantee Gerrard and Torres will stay
Published 15:16 01/07/10 By MirrorFootball
Roy Hodgson has said he will do all he can to keep top players like Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres at Liverpool - but cannot give any guarantees they will not leave.
The former Fulham boss was unwilling to discuss the transfer funds likely to be available to him, with suggestions he will have to sell players to bring some in because of the club's financial state.
"It's not the right time to talk about that," he said at his first press conference as Anfield chief this afternoon.
"It's a bit disappointing that the matters of money have been spoken about over football on my first day.
"I took this job because I wanted to be manager of Liverpool. I want to benefit from the huge fan base and the incredible support.
"I wanted to be part of that. I'd like to sign off on the financial part and leave that to the man sat beside me (chairman) Martin Broughton because he knows more about these things than me."
Captain Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are the high-profile names who have been linked with moves away and while Hodgson could give no guarantee they would remain, he said he would endeavour to keep them on Merseyside.
"It's very important for the club. That's the first thing," he said.
"I personally can't nail their feet to the floor. I'll try to convince them that if they stay here and have a good season then it's a good club to play for.
"It's out of my hands to an extent, but I do know the club is anxious to keep the players, I'm anxious to keep the players.
"We'll do all in our power to keep them. The fans are intelligent and know the situation. They can't expect me to give guarantees they'll stay on."
Hodgson's desire to keep his star names was backed by Broughton, who added: "They are not for sale. We don't need the money."
Broughton also clarified the situation regarding Kenny Dalglish by revealing the man who won the double for Liverpool in his first year in charge in 1986 was never a candidate this time round.
Club ambassador Dalglish was asked to advise on Benitez's successor and put his own name forward.
But Broughton said: "Kenny put his name in for the job and we appreciated the fact he wanted to do it but he was never a candidate.
"He is happy in his current ambassadorial role."
