Source: Daily_Mail
Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard lead fight to save boss Roy Hodgson
Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are at the heart of efforts to stifle growing unrest in the Liverpool dressing-room about the capabilities of under-fire manager Roy Hodgson. [LNB]Should West Ham claim at least a point against Newcastle today, Liverpool will be rock bottom of the Barclays Premier League before Blackburn's crucial visit to Anfield tomorrow. [LNB]It is understood that several Liverpool stars - including striker Fernando Torres and goalkeeper Pepe Reina - are questioning whether Hodgson has what it takes to lead the Anfield club away from the relegation zone. [LNB] Tied up: Hodgson has received backing from senior players despite Liverpool's woeful start[LNB]However, Sportsmail has been told that captain Gerrard and central defender Carragher believe the former Fulham manager should be given time to turn things around. [LNB]Gerrard and Carragher are the two most influential players at Anfield and are understandably concerned about a season that has plunged into disarray. [LNB]It is understood that they have personally told some of their teammates that they should keep faith with Hodgson's training methods and tactics, at least until Christmas. [LNB]Hodgson felt confident enough yesterday to laugh off claims he has fallen out with Liverpool's £21million record signing Torres. [LNB]'It's sad really that we should have to put up with things like this,' he said. 'People write the most ridiculous things on these websites, like I'm having fights with Fernando Torres. Just ridiculous. [LNB] Scraped through: Liverpool came away from the clash against Napoli with a draw[LNB]'Someone told me yesterday that they had me falling out with the rest of my staff, and then they had me resigning. I wouldn't take it too seriously, if I were you, I really wouldn't. The dressing-room, staff, everyone around the place is 100 per cent solid behind what we are trying to do. [LNB]'I am here to try to get Liverpool back to where they belong, but I can't do it overnight, when you consider what I walked into. I met the owners, and they made it clear they thought I had inherited a really bad situation but that I was the right man to put it right. [LNB]'I would agree that I am the right man to put it right. After three-and-a- half months, I haven't suddenly become someone who has lost all confidence in himself. What I have found is that I have taken on a difficult job at a club that needs a lot of sorting out, and unfortunately I haven't had a good start. [LNB]Don't be hasty: Gerrard wants the fans and owners to give Hodgson more time[LNB]'But I had a bad start at Fulham, and we were favourites to go down with four games left. You have periods like that in your life that you have to live through. I can't say I am happy about it, but it's nothing a few victories wouldn't change. [LNB]'It wouldn't stop websites putting out ridiculous stories, but I will have to learn to live with that. It probably comes with the territory of working at Liverpool.' [LNB]Hodgson has also had to contend with reports that his job is about to be offered to Frank Rijkaard, but Sportsmail understands the former Barcelona coach is in no hurry to return to management after leaving Galatasaray on Wednesday. [LNB]Family matters are taking precedence at his home in Amsterdam, after a week that has included the death of his father and birth of his first child with his current partner, and he is unlikely to consider another managerial post until the new year. [LNB]Blackburn counterpart Sam Allardyce tried to ease the pressure on Hodgson by telling his old foe Rafa Benitez to accept his share of the blame for Liverpool's decline. [LNB]Allardyce, who often clashed with the Spaniard, said: 'As a manager, we live in the world of perception rather than reality. I feel for Roy and he's taking the brunt of the criticism, but given time he will get it right.' Jonjo Shelvey tells Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson: I'm desperate for another gameLiverpool join Wigan and Blackpool in race for Auxerre midfielder Valter Birsa I'll never quit! Hodgson insists he's staying despite poor Liverpool form LIVERPOOL FC
