Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has issued an extraordinary plea to Anfield fans to “become supporters” after his side slumped to an embarrassing home defeat to the EPL’s bottom club Wolves this week.

In a lengthy demonstration of blame-deflection, Hodgson cited the “negativity” and lack of support from the terraces, the popularity of former boss Kenny Dalglish and the length of time since their last game for the defeat.

The beleaguered 63-year-old subsequently expressed his “deep regret” if “I have offended (fans) in any way,” but still blamed “people” for “misinterpreting” what he called “one small comment…describing my situation.”

 

The return of talismanic midfielder Steven Gerrard had a minimal impact on proceedings, as even the more in-form players such as keeper Pepe Reina, had below-par matches.

Hodgson admitted that fans’ anger was understandable because “we’ve let them down.” But he added: “I have to hope the fans become supporters because we need support.”

And in response to Liverpool fans’ chants, including a sarcastic “Hodgson for England,” the former Fulham supremo sighed: “I am getting used to it, that is the way it is.

“Ever since I came here the famous Anfield support has not been there. The negativity doesn’t help.”

Hodgson later insisted that these comments were not an attack on Liverpool fans, claiming: “Things have been misinterpreted.

“People have taken one small comment where I was describing my situation. I was responding to a question about how it felt to be jeered by fans, making it clear it hurts me.

“I understand it is up to me to take it on the chin but it’s been an uphill struggle. I was not the first choice appointment with a lot of fans.

“But if I have offended them in any way, I deeply regret that. All I can do is apologise.”

Newspaper reports have suggested Hodgson needs to oversee victory over Bolton at Anfield this weekend to save his job.

The club’s new American owners were reportedly shocked by fans’ vitriolic reaction to the Wolves defeat. And reports also suggest that former Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish may become caretaker manager.

Meanwhile, Hodgson has had to deny suggestions that 26-year-old Danish defender Daniel Agger has been “offered to clubs around Europe” ahead of January’s transfer window.

Hodgson said: “Daniel has not been ‘offered’ to anybody. He is a Liverpool player and there’s a good chance he’ll be in the team on Saturday.”