LIVERPOOL – Liverpool on Saturday announced that manager Roy Hodgson has left the club by mutual consent, with Kenny Dalglish put in charge for Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Manchester United. Hodgson leaves Anfield after an unhappy six month reign after taking over from Rafael Benitez with Liverpool having suffered a ninth Premier League defeat on his watch at Blackburn this week. That left the embattled side languishing in 12th position, four points above the relegation zone.
The 63-year-old former Fulham boss had hoped that a bright performance against United at Old Trafford this weekend might save his position but Liverpool’s owners New England Sports Ventures (NESV) decided otherwise. In a statement on the club’s website, principal owner John Henry said: “We are grateful for Roy’s efforts over the past six months, but both parties thought it in the best interests of the club that he stand down from his position as team manager.
“We wish him all the best for the future.” Hodgson added: “Being asked to manage Liverpool football club was a great privilege. “Liverpool is one of the great clubs in world football. I have, however, found the last few months some of the most challenging of my career. “I am very sad not to have been able to put my stamp on the squad, to be given the time to bring new players into the club in this transfer window and to have been able to be part of the rebuilding process at Liverpool.
Dalglish steps in for his second stint in the Anfield hot seat – his first spell between 1985 and 1991 harvested three league titles and two FA Cup titles. Chairman Tom Werner said: “No one who cares for this great club has been happy with the way this season has unfolded and we have examined options and considered at length what is best for us going forward. “Kenny will bring considerable experience to the position and provide management and leadership for the rest of the season.”
