1. Playing Down Expectations – The most infuriating aspect of Roy Hodgson’s tenure so far is his tendency to play down expectations. Previous managers such as Bill Shankly have built this club up to expect victory in every match and to go into every game with the confidence instilled by the calibre of the club your are playing for and the manager your are playing under. His “famous victory” quote after the Bolton game suggests that Roy’s expectations are not as high as the club he is managing. This is Liverpool Football Club and we should expect to win every match.

2. Passing the buck – Roy Hodgson has used many other excuses other than his own failings for Liverpool’s weak start to the season. While not admitting that in some matches that his tactics or style of play were not good enough, he has complained that the size of the squad was either too large or too small, that the players at his disposals are not his players and that he has had to contend with many injuries.

3. Weak Leadership – Another concern is the fact that he is ceded to the demand of the “Sports Science People” as he likes to call them, on too many occasions. Against Utrecht he said he would play Torres but was advised not to by the medical staff even though many had come to Anfield, especially those Under 17s who came for free.

4. Promises “pass and move attacking football – On his arrival Roy said: “All the things I’ve always liked are the things Liverpool were famous for in their heyday. Pass and move, always move it quickly and once you lose it get back in to position. That was the mantra which took Liverpool through their great years. I like a high-tempo passing game.” To say we have seen nothing of the sort is an understatement, and although it does take time to instill your own philosophy into the players, it is clear from his away displays that his style is very defensive and cautious.

5. Overly praised by Fleet Street – Anyone highly thought of by the English press is held in deep suspicion by Reds fans. Hodgson received a lot of personal praise last season but after coming under scrutiny this term he has so far not taken the criticism very well. Fleet Street have yet to attack him as vehemently as they once did with Rafa Benitez for they built him up as a fine English manager, and the line of argument at the moment is why Reds fans are not giving him more support.

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6. Lack of Player Knowledge – After buying Raul Meireles, he started to play him on the right hand side while trying to find his best position. Since, he has discovered that his best position is in central midfield, a role he has played almost his entire career. He has also yet to realise that Milan Jovanovic can also play as a striker.

7. Issue with Benitez – Roy’s criticism of the players he was left by Rafa Benitez was met by a robust response by the Inter manager. Not knowing what a storm he had provoked after pedalling the view held by the British media, Roy apologised but did his reputation no end of damage with Reds fans.

8. Old Regime – Many wanted Kenny as Reds manager after Rafa’s departure and the appointment of Roy instead of him rankled with some. Considering Roy was an appointment of the last regime, many believe it would be good for everybody if a new start was made with the manager too.

9. Ferguson Friendship – His desire to keep his friendship with Alex Ferguson led him to not comment when Fergie accused Fernando Torres of diving. A Liverpool manager’s priority should be to the player and the club first before any personal friendships, especially with a rival manager.

10. Attacking his own players – Hodgson may have provoked a reaction out of Glen Johnson but criticising players in public is not a good way of endearing you to your own fans. There of course worries of alienating players if you keep making such remarks in public.

Article courtesy of our partner site Live4Liverpool

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