Source: Team_Talk
Comolli expects Hodgson harmony
Damien Comolli will be "involved in everything related to football" in his new role at Liverpool - but will not tell Roy Hodgson who to sign.[LNB] Comolli joined Liverpool earlier this month - just weeks after the takeover of the club by New England Sport Ventures (NESV) - as the club's director of football strategy, having previously served in a similar role at Tottenham and French outfit St Etienne.[LNB]While at Spurs Comolli forged a reputation as a shrewd dealer in the transfer market, masterminding the signings of Gareth Bale, Dimitar Berbatov, Luka Modric, Heurelho Gomes and Roman Pavlyuchenko.[LNB]NESV described Comolli's appointment as "the first step in creating a leadership group and structure designed to develop, enhance and implement our long-term philosophy", although his arrival has also cast doubt over the depth of Hodgson's influence at the Merseyside outfit.[LNB]Comolli insists, however, that his role should not be seen as a threat to Hodgson's authority in the transfer market.[LNB]"I think sometimes it becomes controversial and it should not be. As [Liverpool owner] John Henry said, it will be a consensus among us," Comolli explained.[LNB]"That's the way John sees it, that's the way I see it and that's the way Roy sees it.[LNB]"The manager's decision and the manager's opinion on a player is absolutely crucial.[LNB]"As far as I am concerned, and the way I have always worked in this job, is do not bring a player in who the manager doesn't like because there's no point.[LNB]"Talking in very basic terms, if you bring a player in who the manager doesn't like you are just wasting money, that's the bottom line.[LNB]"That's the way I have always been working and I expect with Roy it will be exactly the same thing."[LNB]Comolli does not expect to have any problems in forming a working partnership with Hodgson.[LNB]"We already had a good relationship from my time at Spurs when he was coach at Finland or Fulham," Comolli told liverpoolfc.tv in his first interview since joining the club.[LNB]"We've been talking at length since I joined, several times a day on different issues and different matters, not only related to the transfer window or to scouting, we talk about everything.[LNB]"I think this relationship is going to grow in a positive way, that's for sure. We see things the same way.[LNB]"So far everything we have discussed we totally agree and have the same vision. I expect that's going to go on."[LNB]Asked why NESV felt the need to create such an influential role for Comolli, he added: "I think it was just a feeling between the owners, and Roy as well, that they wanted someone to be in there and come and help on a daily basis, support Roy in terms of making sure there is the best structure around all the club in all the areas which are football related.[LNB]"I think John Henry and [Liverpool chairman] Tom Werner really wanted someone to be in there to look at what we are going to do for the future.[LNB]"Having a daily involvement with Roy - we've been talking on a daily basis, sometimes having small meetings twice a day or three times a day - obviously working with the sports science team and the doctor, working with the video analysts, working with the academy, working with the scouts, that's the area I will cover."
