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Chairman backs Hodgson “but things must improve”

Anfield Liverpool v Blackburn Rovers (2-1) Premier League 24/10/2010 New co owner Thomas Werner (rt) and Martin Broughton applaud team after final whistle Photo: Roger Parker Fotosports International Photo via Newscom

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has publicly backed under-fire Reds boss Roy Hodgson, saying his job is safe, despite many calls from fans and football pundits for the former Fulham boss’ resignation.

The Reds dropped more points at the weekend in a 3-1 defeat to Newcastle Utd, continuing the dreary away record this season in the Premier League.

But Werner says he knows Hodgson is as disappointed with the current state of affairs on the pitch as the boardroom and fans are.

He told the club’s official TV channel during a live phone-in session, “We just got here, Roy got here shortly before us. Nobody, least of all Roy, was happy with our performance last weekend.

“We have to perform better, especially on the road. We believe in what Roy is doing and we certainly feel like the performance has to improve, and he’d be the first to say that.”

Meanwhile Hodgson today also spoke of the anger and disappointment following Saturday’s defeat at St James’ Park.

He told the club’s official web site, “I was saddened and certainly angry with our performance because in recent weeks we have shown we are capable of playing good football and we were looking like a very solid and strong unit.

“We’ve had quite a long get-together with the team and everyone agreed with me that it was a performance way below our best and we can’t afford those type of performances.

“We know we have to improve our performances away from home. There is an element of confidence, we can’t deny that, but basically I don’t think we’ve been strong enough physically and strong enough mentally away from home.”