Source: Team_Talk
Coyle backs Hodgson for Reds success
olton boss Owen Coyle is backing under-pressure Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson to make the club a force to be reckoned with once again.[LNB] Hodgson has endured a turbulent start to his career at Liverpool since taking up the reins from Rafael Benitez over the summer.[LNB]The Reds recently endured a run of five matches without a victory that included a humiliating defeat at home to Blackpool and a 2-0 reverse at Merseyside rivals Everton.[LNB]Throw in a humbling penalty shootout loss at home to npower League One side Northampton in the Carling Cup and it is no wonder doubts have been raised about Hodgson's future.[LNB]Hodgson has not been helped by the off-field turmoil which had engulfed the club and recently saw former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett ousted by fellow American John W Henry.[LNB]At least a touch of relief came Hodgson's way with last Sunday's 2-1 win at home to Blackburn, even if Liverpool remain in the relegation zone ahead of this Sunday's trip to Coyle's Bolton.[LNB]Coyle, though, has no doubts Hodgson is the man to revitalise the currently ragged Reds.[LNB]"Liverpool are very much a team in a transitional period, and it was always going to be difficult for any manager," said Coyle.[LNB]"Roy has come in and he is an outstanding manager, always has been, and everywhere he has been across the world he has done a fantastic job.[LNB]"Look at the job he did last season at Fulham where he was manager of the year.[LNB]"All Roy Hodgson needs is time because there is no doubt in my opinion he will turn Liverpool into the force they have been known for, a club that will challenge for honours year in year out.[LNB]"People have to give balance to it because Roy inherited a team that was on a downward spiral, so he was going to have to get a bit of freshness in there.[LNB]"As with any manager, we all crave time to try and implement our own ideas, bring in our own players, and I'm sure if they give Roy that time you will see the benefit to Liverpool in the long run."[LNB]Coyle is still surprised by Liverpool's position, just two places and three points off the foot of the table, but is fully aware of how easily such a situation can change.[LNB]"Anybody who looks at Liverpool, you don't expect them to be in the bottom half of the table," added Coyle.[LNB]"But we all know that in this league it only takes two or three results to turn that on its head and to be catapulted up there.[LNB]"This is not a team that is detached. We know this is a team that, within a couple of wins, can really push themselves up the table.[LNB]"As I've said, if Roy is given the time then he will do a fantastic job at Liverpool Football Club."[LNB]Coyle, meanwhile, has confirmed defender Andy O'Brien has joined npower Championship side Leeds on a month-long loan as he seeks to improve his fitness.[LNB]O'Brien has not played since sustaining a hamstring injury in a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa in mid-September.[LNB]Coyle said: "He's been back training for over a week now and training very well, so this is an opportunity for him to go and get some games.[LNB]"He's going to a fantastic club, so it's a win-win situation. Andy gets games at a very good club, and after a month I get a very good player back fully fit."[LNB]Striker Ivan Klasnic comes into consideration for the game with Liverpool.[LNB]Klasnic, who was suspended for the 1-1 draw at Wigan last weekend, is available despite currently being on bail following his arrest on suspicion of rape this week.[LNB]
