Monday, December 06, 2010

Comolli Dismisses Suggestions He Has Weakened Position Of Roy Hodgson

Liverpool's new director of football strategy Damien Comolli has dismissed suggestions that his appointment has lessened the power of club manager Roy Hodgson.

Last month, Comolli was appointed to his role by new owners New England Sports Ventures (NESV) and although the details of the post are not specified, his main task will be to scout new players.

It has been speculated that Hodgson’s say in transfer deals will be diminished as a result, with the new American owners also reportedly unimpressed with the former Fulham boss’s recent acquisitions.

However, Comolli is adamant he will not take any steps towards signing new players without Hodgson’s agreement, and that the Reds’ manager will have the final word on the club's transfer policy.

"A lot of people ask: who is going to make the final decision? I can guarantee you, 100 per cent, that in this job - especially in England - I have never signed a player without the manager agreeing to it. Never, ever," he told the Sunday Telegraph.

"I don't care what people say. And it won't happen here. If you sign a player that the manager doesn't want you are just throwing money into the bin.

"We had a very long meeting last week with Roy about the window.

“We went through the list and there was one player who Roy said 'This one, I really don't like him, I know him well and I'm not comfortable with him.' So we take him off. It is not issue."

Comolli also revealed that NESV have shown interest in financing deals for high-profile new signings in the January transfer window.

The Reds have had an inconsistent start to the season and ahead of Monday’s clash with Aston Villa, currently sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

As a result, Comolli confirmed that new blood could be brought in to the club in the new year in order to strengthen the team.

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