Houllier - Squad back Roy

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Click here to remote recordFormer Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has backed Roy Hodgson to succeed at Anfield because his squad want to play for him.
Hodgson has endured a difficult start to his Liverpool career, picking up just five points from his opening five league games and then suffering the embarrassing midweek Carling Cup defeat to League Two's Northampton on penalties.
Houllier, who has just been appointed as the new Aston Villa boss, understands what his counterpart is going through, having suffered a similar League Cup setback during his time at Liverpool with the 2-1 extra-time loss against Grimsby in 2001.
But the Frenchman has every confidence Hodgson can turn the situation around as his squad want to play for him.
Houllier said: "It (the Northampton defeat) was a disaster. I lost against Grimsby myself. For Roy the next game is the most important.
"Forget about the past. You know when you play a European game or a cup game, sometimes you prioritise - which he did.
"We did as well against Blackburn in the Carling. He will be all right. The boys like him. They will play for him."
Liverpool Specials 2010/11 Finishing Position: Liverpool not to finish in the top 6 2010/11 6/4
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