Gary Lineker stunned by Roy Hodgson’s revelation on Liverpool’s ownership

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Roy Hodgson has revealed a surprising detail about Liverpool's ownership in his early days as manager, which left Gary Lineker visibly shocked during their conversation on the Rest is Football Podcast. Hodgson explained that when Fenway Sports Group (FSG) took over Liverpool, they initially lacked deep knowledge about the club. One of their first moves was to visit various supporter clubs to gauge opinions on Hodgson’s fit as manager. Fans were candid, telling the new owners that Hodgson was not the right man for the job, which was supported by the team's poor performance on the field at the time.

Hodgson reflected that the squad was not strong during his tenure, exacerbated by the departure of star player Fernando Torres. The remaining experienced players like Jamie Carragher struggled amidst the transitional period. On the positive side, Hodgson noted that despite the difficulties, the team was beginning to show some passion again on the pitch, creating a sense among fans that Liverpool's fighting spirit was returning, even though results were not yet there.

Gary Lineker’s shocked reaction (“Oh god”) highlighted the candidness of Hodgson’s revelation about the ownership's approach and the challenging environment Hodgson managed during his brief time at Anfield. Hodgson’s stint only lasted six months, and his tenure is often viewed as unsuccessful, but his comments shed light on the complexities Liverpool faced during the FSG takeover period and the rough start for both the club’s new management and him as coach.

This insight offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into Liverpool’s ownership dynamics and fan engagement during a critical transition, underscoring the patience required before the club’s fortunes turned around under subsequent leadership.

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PP