Source: Team_Talk
Roy 'satisfied' with efficient Reds
Roy Hodgson felt his young Liverpool team acquitted themselves well as they beat Rabotnicki 2-0 in Thursday's Europa League tie in Macedonia.[LNB] David Ngog struck twice as Hodgson began his reign with a comfortable win in the first leg of a third round qualifier in Skopje.[LNB]The ease of victory fully justified Hodgson's decision to leave behind the likes of Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole.[LNB]"I am very satisfied," Hodgson said.[LNB]"It was a game that could have been very difficult for us.[LNB]"It was a big crowd and some of our players that played are not used to big crowds.[LNB]"I was really pleased with the way everyone went about their business and we can go back to Anfield with a margin of victory which will enable us to feel a little more comfortable."[LNB]Hodgson, who was appointed a month ago, was pleased to have made a winning start in his new job but did not feel as if a great weight had particularly been lifted.[LNB]He said: "I feel like I've been up and running for the last four weeks.[LNB]"I have had a very hectic and busy month - it has been a month where my feet have not touched the ground.[LNB]"I fear having taken on this job there will be a weight of expectation on my shoulders every time I step into Melwood for a training session, every time I go to a game with the team.[LNB]"I came to the job knowing that was the situation and the important thing is to put a team capable of meeting that expectation."[LNB]Liverpool were without 10 World Cup players for the tie as they have either only recently returned for pre-season or are still on holiday.[LNB]That left just a handful of senior stars in Lucas, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger, Alberto Aquilani and double goalscorer Ngog. That allowed youngsters David Amoo, Jay Spearing and Martin Kelly a chance to impress.[LNB]Hodgson said: "Every time a team plays in an official match you learn a lot about people.[LNB]"And there were a lot of players out there I need to learn about as some of them I have hardly worked with.[LNB]"It was a very good exercise for me in that respect and I am delighted for so many players who were under pressure before the game that it has been a positive outcome.[LNB]"They can go back to Liverpool tomorrow feeling positive."[LNB]Rabotnicki coach Zoran Stratev felt his players had given their all but were perhaps intimidated by the reputation of Liverpool.[LNB]He said: "Our players gave their maximum.[LNB]"They were very good at times, especially in the first 15 minutes, but I think they were scared by the name of Liverpool.[LNB]"But I don't have any complaint about our players.[LNB]"They played as well as they could but we know Liverpool are a better team than us.[LNB]"Now we have the return match next week and we know our chances will be minimal.[LNB]"Liverpool came with their second team but they are all still good players."
