Source: Liverpool_Echo
Danny Murphy is backing Roy Hodgson to guide Liverpool towards Champions League qualification
Danny Murphy 300[LNB]DANNY MURPHY believes Roy Hodgson will guide Liverpool back into the Champions League this season.[LNB]The former Reds midfielder, who returns to Anfield with Fulham today, insists his old boss at Craven Cottage is the right man to restore the club's fortunes.[LNB]Liverpool go into the game in ninth place but Murphy is confident Hodgson's side will swiftly climb the table.[LNB]'If I was a betting man, I would guarantee they are going to finish in the top four,' he said.[LNB] 'The club is in a bit of a predicament, but you couldn't ask for a more humble gentleman to deal with that.[LNB]'The dilemma for me came when I was getting calls from people at Liverpool asking me about Roy. I knew I could say nothing and they would still probably employ him.[LNB]'But I was praising him because that's what he deserves, being honest and knowing that it would probably help them decide he was the right man.[LNB]'I didn't want to see him go, but football success generally means that people move on.[LNB]'The great thing for him was that he got to manage one of the great teams in Europe and Liverpool got one of the best coaches around.'[LNB]Murphy, who made 294 appearances for the Reds between 1997 and 2004, says Hodgson will need time to produce a team capable of challenging for the title.[LNB]'I hear positive sounds coming out of the club about him. The people up there don't suffer fools,' he said.[LNB]'You will get a more successful Liverpool there this season, but the fans are realistic at the moment about what's achievable.[LNB]'Roy wants to be a success and success for Liverpool is competing with Manchester United and Chelsea.[LNB]'He might need a bit longer than one season to do that, but he will bring them closer. I don't think the fans expect them to win the Premier League this season - they are more realistic than that.
