Roy Hodgson through time: How the England manager would have reacted to the big moments in Liverpool FC history
Following his comments about Daniel Sturridge and once again annoying Liverpool supporters, we imagine a dystopian world where Hodgson has been around Anfield - forever
England manager Roy Hodgson gives out instructions during a training session at St George's ParkRoy Hodgson is doing his best to burn bridges with Liverpool FC – or whatever remnants still stand after his ill-fated six months in charge at Anfield.
After half a year infuriating the red half of Merseyside with his questionable comments and general negative demeanour, he is now doing similar as England manager.
After a back-and-forth about the injury Daniel Sturridge sustained last month, Hodgson further risked the wrath of the Reds by revealing Raheem Sterling's fatigue before the game with Estonia.
Now, Hodgson has openly questioned the benefits of the two-day recovery period Rodgers gives his players following matches.
He said: “I don’t think there is a lot of medical evidence to support the ‘two day recovery’. So if you want to, you might want to research that one.
“Certainly, the Germans who you admire so much – they don’t do it. That is for certain.
“I would expect players not to take it granted that there will be two-day recoveries.”
Reds correspondent James Pearce puts it best in his comment piece.
“Liverpool fans know from bitter experience all about Roy Hodgson’s uncanny knack of putting his foot in his mouth,” he writes.
Liverpool fans most certainly do. And while he's only been involved directly with the Reds since 2010, imagine if he had been around throughout the club's history, there to dampen any enthusiasm.
Imagine if Hodgson had been around forever. Imagine if he had been present for some of the most iconic moments – good and bad - in Liverpool history.
It might go something like this.
What happened: Liverpool romp to the Division Two title in 1895/96, scoring 106 goals.
What Hodgson would say: “There is no doubt that what Liverpool did was very impressive, but conceding 32 goals is just not acceptable and I strongly suspect George Allen will struggle in a higher league."
What happened: Liverpool win the First Division in 1946/47 – the first full season since the Second World War – with 23 goals apiece from Jack Balmer and Albert Stubbins.
What Hodgson would say: “I would like to congratulate Liverpool on their victory, although neither of them being awarded the Victoria Cross obviously tarnishes it somewhat."
What happened: Liverpool are relegated from the First Division in 1953/54 following just nine wins in 42 games.
What Hodgson would say: “I feel, in fact, we should commend Liverpool for battling in the top division for so long with such difficult, difficult opposition such as Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday.”
What happened: Bill Shankly becomes Liverpool manager in December 1959.
What Hodgson would say: “Clearly young managers in our league is a positive but I feel we do not give enough chances to Englishmen.”
What happened: Liverpool win the FA Cup for the first time in their history in 1965.
What Hodgson would say: “Congratulations to Mr Shankly, who I have always backed from the day he came into the job. But I do question the intelligence of changing their shorts to red.”
What happened: Roger Hunt completes his eighth straight season as the Reds' top league scorer.
What Hodgson would say: “He is a very, very good player. Of that there is no doubt. But does he do enough work in his own box? I don't know.”
What happened: Despite defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup final in 1971, tens of thousands of Reds supporters turn up to cheer the squad home outside St George's Hall.
What Hodgson would say: "While it was a very nice display, I thought the gathering by the Arsenal fans in Islington was far more impressive. Hugo Banzer has never seen a greater show of strength."
What happened: Bill Shankly steps down as manager of Liverpool following their FA Cup win over Newcastle. Bob Paisley takes over.
What Hodgson would say: “Myself and Bill are very good friends and I always believed in him. I must admit I have reservations about Bob.”
What happened: Liverpool win three trophies – including the league title and their first European Cup – in 1977.
What Hodgson would say: “Congratulations to Mr Paisley, who I have always backed from the day he came into the job. But I must say it is absolutely, positively essential they keep Kevin Keegan.”
What happened: The Reds finish fifth in 1981 – their only finish outside the top two between 1973 and 1991 – but win their third European Cup.
What Hodgson would say: "I always said Kenny Dalglish was essential to what Liverpool are trying to achieve and I stand by that comment. However despite the trophies, the most pleasing aspect of their season is undoubtedly the strong fifth-placed finish in what is a competitive league.”
What happened: Liverpool's team of 1987/88 are absolutely phenomenal, winning the title with 92 points and 87 goals.
What Hodgson would say: “Does John Barnes track back enough? Far be it for me to suggest that, but I do not think he does. I would also implore them to watch my Malmo side, where we have won several league championships playing a much safer style of football.”
What happened: Graeme Souness is named permanent Liverpool manager in 1991, but leaves in January 1994 following defeat to Bristol City.
What Hodgson would say: “I just do not understand why a defeat against such a strong team like Bristol City would prompt such a reaction. Furthermore, his signing of Julian Dicks was inspired and exactly the sort of left back I want.”
What happened: Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle. Twice.
What Hodgson would say: “Once is tough to take but twice, for my money, is just downright careless.”
What happened: Istanbul.
What Hodgson would say: "I would commend Rafael Benitez – who I have long been an admirer of, of course – for his excellent win. But I would ask questions of Jamie Carragher for the third, unquestionably.”
What happened: Steven Gerrard scores a last-gasp equaliser against West Ham in the 2006 FA Cup final, which the Reds eventually win on penalties.
What Hodgson would say: Most people would probably commend Steven and I would be one of those. However, I must remind him of the value of a sideways pass in that situation, we will not always be that lucky.
What happened: Liverpool go perilously close to winning their first league championship in 25 years.
What Hodgson would say: Some manager once stated how first is everything, second is nowhere. I wholeheartedly disagree. For me, 17th is everywhere and anything after that is a pleasant surprise.
Source: Kristian Walsh / Echo
