Roy Hodgson apologises to Liverpool fans for ‘outburst’

Roy Hodgson has said sorry for offending Liverpool fans, and insited that he was misinterpreted.

The 63-year-old former Inter and Fulham boss called on fans to get behind the team following their defeat to Wolves, a comment that hasn't gone down well with fans.

"I'm disappointed and I certainly regret if I have offended them in any way," he said, "The last thing in my mind is walking away from a club like this."

"It was not meant to be an offensive comment in any way. I was responding to a question about how it felt to be jeered by fans, making it clear it hurts me and I was disappointed by it because no-one wants to feel they are unpopular.

"I was taking responsibility and prepared to accept that I would be in the firing line. I'm very disappointed if that has been transformed into me attacking the fans.

"I understand it is up to me to take it on the chin but it's not been an easy ride for me. It's been an uphill struggle and I was not the first choice appointment with a lot of fans."

Hodgson has also pleaded with Liverpool chairman John W. Henry not to sack him, as losing his dream job would devestate him.

"It's taken me a long while to get to this elevated position coaching one of best clubs in Europe. I was really pleased to get the job and left a good job to take it. The last thing in my mind is walking away from a club like this or even walking away from football.

"I want to be here. I want to change things and help the club and the new owners get the success for the club they want. I can only beg for patience and the time it will take to do it.

"I'm confident that given time, with the competencies I know I have, the players we have at the club and the possibility of adding to that in future transfer windows, this club will once again be up at the top."

Hodgson was asked what he thought of the fans booing him and the team after his team's 1-0 loss on Wednesday, to which he replied, "I have to hope the fans will become supporters because we need support. We are not deliberately losing games."