Hodgson bracing Liverpool FC fans for Champions League wilderness
Roy Hodgson has warned Liverpool fans that their Champions League drought could extend beyond this season.
A top four finish is still a remote possibility owing to the narrow margins of the Barclays Premier League table with nine points separating the ninth-placed Reds and Chelsea, who currently hold the final qualification spot.
But Hodgson is cautious of trying to secure a place in European football's premier club competition at all costs and cites the recent downfall of clubs such as Leeds United, whose attempts to reach the top level played a part in their demotion to the divisions below.
"I would plead for patience really," he said.
"Of course we want Liverpool to be the Liverpool of old. We want to be up there every year competing in the Champions League.
"But we might have to accept that it will take us more than a few months. That would be a small price to pay if you get it right. You only have to look at teams who have tried to stay in the league or get into the top four.
"Clubs have virtually been destroyed by people making bad decisions. It's not because the owners haven't given money or supported the manager. It's just that
they have brought in the wrong people."
Next month's transfer window provides the Kop boss the chance to strengthen with Eden Hazard, Ashley Young and Pablo Hernandez all believed to be on his January wish list.
Fenway Sports Group, the club's owners, are reluctant to splash the cash on short-term prospects and Hodgson is refusing to apply pressure on his new employers and agrees with their philosophy on investing in youth for medium to long-term gain.
He added: "If the owners want to invest a lot of money, that's up to them,.
"If we find the right players, I'm not going to be saying to them 'don't do it,'. I'm not that stupid. I want to work with the best players possible.
"But with the change that has gone on at the club and the new regime, it would be sensible for the new owners to be a bit more circumspect and get a closer look at everything.
"I don't think it would be a bad thing for us to keep testing out this squad of players.
"Before I start bringing players in, I've got to be aware that when I do, I will be pushing Shelvey or Kelly back. I've got to be convinced that the person coming in is the right one. That's the dilemma. When do we give the youngsters a chance?
"With that in mind, we have to be careful. My message to them would be - and it's no secret because I've had discussions with John about it - if the right players become available, and we really think they will push us on, we should go for them.
"We shouldn't hesitate if they feel they can do it. But I don't think we should be encouraging them to throw a lot of money at it straight away."
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