Premier League Preview: Blackpool vs Liverpool

Back in early October, Blackpool sent shockwaves through the Premier League by travelling to Liverpool and conquering Anfield. It was a body blow for the Reds, and was also one of the low points of former boss Roy Hodgson’s short stint as manager.

During that game, Luke Varney went down in the area as the referee pointed to the spot. Charlie Adam converted in front of the Kop to give his side a shock lead on Merseyside, before Varney doubled the advantage. A header from Sotirios Kyrgiakos eventually proved to be nothing more than a consolation as the victory served to justify the Seasiders’ arrival in the top-flight.

A little over three months have passed since then, and the visitors’ boss Ian Holloway probably feels that his charges can do the double over their more illustrious opponents. He fielded a line-up of several fringe players during the club’s recent FA Cup trip to Southampton, in a game that the travellers lost.

But he should call on his regulars for this encounter, in the hope of repeating the performance put in at Anfield to carve out a similar result.

The latter days of Roy Hodgson’s bitter reign on Merseyside saw him lose the fans completely, as the club’s supporters roundly chanted for his head by calling for the appointment of the legendary Kenny Dalglish.

One could very well argue that the results may not have been a true reflection of the former Fulham manager’s capability, as he was unable to mould the squad to his liking by flexing some muscle in the transfer window. But the Merseysiders have parted ways with the 63-year-old now, and have given the fans what they wanted - King Kenny.

Dalglish’s return to management after a decade-long hiatus began in poor fashion as a controversial penalty coupled with the sending off of his skipper Steven Gerrard ended in a defeat to bitter rivals Manchester United - which in turn meant that the Reds were knocked out of the FA Cup.

However, the feel good factor around the club will have trickled down into the squad as well, and could in turn translate into a positive performance on the pitch.

The Scot will have to capitalize on the initial boost that his appointment has given the team to capture nothing less than all three points at Bloomfield Road to retain hope of salvaging a morose season and qualifying for next season’s Europa League.

TEAM NEWS

Blackpool

The Seasiders have no fresh injury worries ahead of this game, but Elliot Grandin (hamstring), Malaury Martin (knee), Chris Basham (broken leg), Marlon Harewood (hamstring), Matt Gilks (knee) and Billy Clarke (knee) are all expected to remain sidelined.

Manager Ian Holloway fielded several fringe players during the recent defeat to Southampton and will likely revert to his preferred first-choice players once more.

Possible starting XI: Kingson; Eardley, Cathcart, Evatt, Crainey; Phillips, Adam, Vaughan; Taylor-Fletcher, Campbell, Varney

Liverpool

The club’s talismanic skipper Steven Gerrard is suspended for this game, as he saw red in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.

Jamie Carragher (shoulder) and Jay Spearing (ankle) remain sidelined. The former will remain unavailable for some more time as he recovers from surgery, while the latter is back in training and still working on getting back to full fitness.

Possible starting XI: Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Aurelio; Kuyt, Meireles, Lucas, Maxi; Babel, Torres

Kenny Dalglish Not Looking For Quick Buys To Fix Liverpool's Problems

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish says he will not be spending for the sake of buying in this month's transfer window and will instead focus on the players currently at Anfield.

The 59-year-old will attempt to get the best out of the existing squad, and will start by getting their confidence up.

He also commented that the current squad is a lot better than the team's critics are making out.

"I think it is the best squad of players I have inherited as a manager since the first time I came here," Dalglish told reporters on Tuesday.

"We don't have much time to get things up and running so the most important people for us are the people here and we will concentrate on them first and everyone will be given an opportunity.

"As far as I can see, the players are 100 per cent committed to what they want to do – to move onwards and upwards. There are no splits or divisions."

Dalglish has achieved great success on Merseyside, both as a player and a manager, winning the old First Division a total of eight times.

However, coming back into management after a gap of over a decade, the Anfield legend believes he has something to prove in this modern day game.

"It's one thing showing people what you've won, it is another thing to get respect out of them for what you are trying to do and that is what I have got to achieve," he admitted.

"I have no preconceived ideas that because of what I've done it gets me any more respect.

"The only way to earn players' respect is to work with them, get them on your side and hopefully get the confidence levels up, get a couple wins and take it from there."

The Scotsman has not ruled out the idea of buying players completely though and will work with director of football strategy Damien Comolli, but his attitude will create peace of mind amongst the current players who may be worrying about their futures.

He added: "What is immediate for us is the staff and players we have working together and the people know who they are there will do their very best to do that.

"If someone comes up who is attractive to the club then fine but at this moment there have not been any conversations about that."

Inter Plan Sensational €30 Million Benitez-Inspired Raid On Liverpool

Inter Milan and Bayern Munich have emerged as the front runners to end Fernando Torres’ Anfield hell, according to reports in Germany.

Despite being sacked as manager of European champions Inter last month, Benitez has left one legacy – an interest in Torres that could revive their ailing fortunes in Serie A.

Benitez signed Torres for Liverpool when he was an aspiring ‘wonderkid’ at Atletico Madrid and it was his intention to take advantage of the turmoil at Anfield to bring him to the San Siro in January or the summer.

However, after his sacking it seems a move for the 26-year-old had been put to one side. Now though Leonardo, Rafa’s successor, has put Torres back on the agenda.

Liverpool are determined to hang on to their prized asset and the striker himself has revealed he plans to see his contract out with the club, which runs until 2013 – anything could be possible after that, though.

Munich has also emerged as a possible destination for the Liverpool ace, as has Turin with a possible offer from Juventus on the cards.

Torres, though, said: “My head is in Liverpool and on helping save our season. I am professional and I always fulfil my deals.

"I haven't considered leaving, although in football that depends on the club,” he added, not totally ruling out moving if one of the mooted offers is accepted by Liverpool.

Liverpool 'Encouraged' To Swoop For Croatia Star

Liverpool is reportedly on the verge of making a move for Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka.

The Croatia international - valued at €15 million by transfermarkt.co.uk - has fallen down the pecking order at White Hart Lane and, according to the Daily Mail, has his sights set on a move during the transfer window.

Liverpool are thought to be tracking the 24-year-old and now - reports tribalfootball - the Anfield club are being 'encouraged' to launch a bid for Corluka's services.

The former Manchester City player is a versatile defender - able to perform equally competently at right-back or centre-back and, with constant injuries to the Liverpool defence, the acquisition of Corluka could prove to be a shrewd one.

Liverpool is thought to be in a strong position to land the Croatian thanks to director of football strategy Damien Comolli, who signed Corluka in 2008 while occupying a similar role with Spurs.

Whether a move for Corluka comes to fruition remains to be seen, but Liverpool are believed to be in the market for defensive reinforcements in January.

Liverpool have had their fair share of defensive woes of late after were hit with the news that Anfield stalwart Jamie Carragher would be out of action for three months after dislocating his shoulder against Spurs in November.

Centre-back Daniel Agger also reportedly wants out of Anfield so Liverpool could do well to bring in at least one defender during the transfer window.

Liverpool Step Up Pursuit Of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Liverpool are reportedly looking at stepping up their interest in Southampton's 17 year-old starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to fend off interest from Manchester United.

The Daily Mail state that Liverpool's director of football strategy Damien Comolli was at Boundary Park watching the youngster as Southampton beat Oldham 6-0 on Tuesday night, where the player got himself on the scoresheet.

However, this interest could conceivably come to nothing as the report claims that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was also present in the stands watching the youngster.

It is understood that The Saints value Oxlade Chamberlain at about £10 million and are said to be aware that Liverpool have watched the 17 year-old on several occasions and hold a real interest along with Arsenal.

The England Under-18 international has also reportedly attracted interest from Premier League sides Chelsea, Fulham, Stoke City and Tottenham in the past.

Liverpool Are Winning The Race For Ricky van Wolfswinkel

Liverpool remains the frontrunners for FC Utrecht striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel, according to his agent.

There has been growing speculation in recent days that the 21-year-old could be set to seal an imminent switch to Merseyside, but it has now emerged that - despite interest from Liverpool - there have been no formal discussions regarding a potential transfer.

“We have not had a formal call from Liverpool yet,” Louis Laros told Sport.co.uk.

“Liverpool are the main club following Ricky, but he is being followed by some big clubs throughout Europe and of course England, but without doubt, Liverpool is an interesting club for Ricky. But for the moment we keep his options open and we wait and see.”

And, although Liverpool have registered their interest in the Dutchman, the Anfield club are thought to be considering holding fire on an official £8 million bid until January due to the player's current fitness.

“I know they are [Liverpool] interested in him and they are following him. I think they are looking at him as a signing in the future, but possibly not immediately.”

“Also his injury could be an issue with a move remember. I don’t think that a formal offer will come from Liverpool in this transfer window."

Liverpool have also been linked with moves for Sevilla striker Alvaro Negrado and Ajax captain Luis Suarez as owners New England Sports Ventures look to invest in their squad during the January transfer window.

Alan Hansen: Kenny Dalglish Will Be Targeting Champions League Qualification

Alan Hansen believes that interim Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will want the job permanently at the end of the season, and will be targeting Champions League qualification.

Dalglish, who previously spent 14 years at the Anfield club as a player and manager, was handed the reins until the end of the season after Roy Hodgson left the club.

When asked if Dalglish would want the job full-time, Hansen told the BBC's MOTD program this: “Absolutely. He Might not say that himself, but I know he is a complete football-man.

"Liverpool is in his heart, he thinks he's got unfinished business there.

"I think, he thinks he owes Liverpool, but I think Liverpool owe him.

"I think the supporters will get right behind him, but again, it's a results based industry, you've got to go out and win, and they've got big games coming up and obviously the players have underachieved."

Quizzed as to what supporters could expect for the remainder of the season, Hansen remained realistic, but insisted that his former team-mate would be targeting a top-four finish.

Daniel Pacheco Impresses For Liverpool FC Reseves In Front Of Kenny Dalglish

Daniel Pacheco scored a superb goal in front of Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool Reserves beat Sunderland 2-1 at the Academy on Tuesday afternoon. Watch highlights now online.

Nikola Saric bagged the other goal on a day when the young Reds played some lovely football as Dalglish, Steve Clarke and Sammy Lee watched from the sidelines.

Liverpool's caretaker boss will also have been delighted to see Jay Spearing come through 90 minutes on his return from a fracture just above his ankle.

The only negative for manager John McMahon was the late dismissal of goalkeeper Martin Hansen for a foul which led to Sunderland getting a consolation strike from the penalty spot.

The result keeps the second string top of their section of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North.

The opening 20 minutes were brought to life by 17-year-old Suso, who showed off his blend of wizardry and composure alongside the returning Spearing in central midfield.

The Spaniard produced a great delivery on 21 minutes which Emmanuel Mendy might have used better.

Tom Ince, back from a loan spell under his dad at Notts County, threatened on 27 minutes with a dainty turn and shot from the edge of the box which slid just wide.

Minutes later Pacheco gained possession before taking his markers one way and then the other. His eventual shot from 20 yards forced a fingertip save from Trevor Carson in the Sunderland goal.

Ince was next up with a well-struck hit which stung the goalkeeper's palms.

Sunderland had to wait 40 minutes for a serious effort on goal when midfielder Adam Reed let fly from distance before watching the ball whizz wide.

Liverpool countered with a cross-field ball from Jack Robinson which was taken well by Ince on the right. The No.7 cut inside and sent a curled effort into Carson's reach.

The breakthrough finally came on 43 minutes after a dinked ball into the box from Saric. Pacheco worked himself into a yard of space to shoot back across goal on his weaker left foot, managing to find the top corner.

The lead was doubled on 50 minutes when Spearing lofted a pass to Pacheco, who cut back to Saric. The former Bosnian refugee - who has missed large chunks of 2010-11 with a broken leg - bent his shot towards the roof of the net before wheeling away in celebration.

Pacheco could have made it 3-0 on 62 minutes following a decent ball from Ince, the Spanish U19 international leading defender Liam Bagnall astray with a superlative touch before shooting against the outside of the post.

Sunderland were gifted a lifeline when Craig Lynch ghosted into the box before falling under the slightest contact from the otherwise excellent John Flanagan. Justice was done, however, when Danish stopper Hansen saved Matthew Fletcher's penalty.

Down at the other end Ince crafted space for a cross before substitute David Amoo headed against the woodwork.

Flanagan was unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet with a close-range poke after a mistake from the defender.

The one sour note for Liverpool came on 87 minutes after a mistake from substitute Victor Palsson, prompting Hansen to foul Fletcher in the box. The referee flashed a straight red card and Nathan Wilson sent newly introduced goalie Jamie Stephens the wrong way.

PFA Chief Gordon Taylor Defends Liverpool Striker Ryan Babel

PFA chief Gordon Taylor believes that the FA were harsh in charging Liverpool striker Ryan Babel with improper conduct.

The Dutchman appeared to be dissatisfied with the refereeing during the recent 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup, which saw referee Howard Webb award a controversial penalty to the Red Devils in the opening seconds before sending off skipper Steven Gerrard prior to the break.

The 24-year-old later took a pop at Webb on his Twitter page, and also shared a doctored image of the referee wearing a United shirt.

The governing body, however, did not take kindly to the antics of the former Ajax man, as they promptly slapped his wrists with a charge of improper conduct despite the Dutchman's swift apology on the social networking site.

Now Taylor believes that the FA was harsh on Babel as they failed to see the funny side of the issue.

"Where's our sense of humour gone in our game?" he asked BBC Radio Merseyside. "He's apologized, let's move on.

"I would think that Howard Webb is a big enough man, a big enough person and good enough referee to take it.

"To my mind, and to most footballers' minds, it is the same sort of stuff that flies about every weekend via mobile phones, but they are obviously taking a stance on it. I thought a warning would have been sufficient."

Kenny Dalglish Is Candidate For Permanent Liverpool Job

New Liverpool caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish will be a candidate for the post on a permanent basis.

The Scot is in charge until the end of the season, with director of football Damien Comolli tasked with finding Roy Hodgson's long-term successor.

Asked whether former Reds player and manager Dalglish would be considered Comolli said: "The answer is yes."

Dalglish added: "If I do really well and someone better than me comes along I will have no problem whatsoever."

Dalglish, who won eight league titles as a player and a manager with Liverpool between 1977 and 1991, applied for the job in the summer after the departure of Rafael Benitez, only to be overlooked in favour of Hodgson.

But when a dismal run of results brought a premature end to Hodgson's reign on Saturday the club turned to the Anfield legend to take charge until the end of the season.

That gives Dalglish a chance to stake his claim for the long-term job while Comolli scours the globe for a viable alternative.

Asked what the criteria were for identifying the next permanent manager, Comolli said: "Competence, someone who will fit into the club and playing philosophy and huge on man-management - the three things most important to the club.

"It is open to people that we think fit into what I have described and Kenny obviously fits into that category.

"There will be a thorough search of what we want to do, where we want to get to and we will talk to Kenny about it and see where it takes us."

Dalglish, speaking to journalists at Anfield on Monday for the first time since he was appointed, insisted he is happy with his current caretaker role and denied seeking any assurances for his long-term future when he was offered the job by Liverpool co-owner John Henry.

"My understanding is that it's until the end of the season and that's no problem for me," said Dalglish, whose first match in charge ended in a 1-0 FA Cup third-round defeat to arch rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

"I've heard stories about demanding this and demanding that, but when I was phoned on Saturday morning and asked if I'd take the job it was a straightforward 'yes' and that was it for me.

"There's no conditions, no promises, there's nothing. I came back to work at a club that myself and my family are eternally grateful for many things they have done for us and when I was asked to do it there was no way I was going to be disrespectful and say 'no'.

"I am here to be of help to the club and if that means Kenny Dalglish is not the manager that is not a problem.

"If at the end of the season the owners have their eyes on someone else then I have no problem stepping aside because if I didn't I wouldn't be true to my word.

"I would do it readily if it meant the club improving."

Liverpool will resume their stuttering Premier League campaign at Blackpool on Wednesday.

And Dalglish joked that in the current climate he may be fortunate to see out the season with the Reds.

"If I can get to the end of the season then I'll probably end up as one of the longest-serving managers in the Premier League any way," he said.

Comolli, who has previously worked for Arsenal and Tottenham, was appointed by new owners New England Sports Ventures (NESV) in November to help the club identify potential transfer targets.

But the Frenchman insisted Dalglish would have the final say on all new signings.

"As I have always said, if Kenny is not happy with a player we think could make the team better, or if he thinks it is not the right timing, it will always be down to the manager to say he is not happy."

Dalglish said he has not had time to think about transfer targets yet.

"I am sure the owners have an opinion about the football club, they own it so they are entitled to, but that is why they put Damien in his position and me in mine," he said.

"They will leave it in our hands as to whether we need players or not."

New Liverpool First-Team Coach Steve Clarke Couldn't Turn Down Chance To Work With Kenny Dalglish

Steve Clarke has spoken of his excitement at joining the coaching staff at Liverpool after the former Chelsea assistant manager was appointed as first-team coach at Anfield.

Clarke, who played over 500 senior matches for St Mirren and Chelsea, was assistant manager at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho, and also at West Ham United under Gianfranco Zola.

"I was sat at home doing nothing and now I've got the chance of working with a football great in Kenny Dalglish and also working for one of the world's leading football clubs" Clarke told Liverpool's official website.

"This was something I couldn't turn down.

"I am grateful for everybody who has given me such a warm welcome, especially all those here at Melwood.

"I am really looking forward to working with Kenny and the rest of the staff to help bring good times back to the club."

Kenny Dalglish Has 'No Problem' With Short-Term Liverpool Stay

Kenny Dalglish's second stint as manager at Liverpool may yet be extended beyond the end of the season, but for now the Anfield legend is just focused on improving a group of players who have so far under-achieved this term after revealing that he has no trepidation about the short-term nature of his return.

The 59-year-old will take the managerial helm at Anfield until the end of the season, something with which he insists he has no concerns about.

“My understanding is that it’s until the end of the season, and that’s no problem for me,” Dalglish told the assembled media on Monday.

“I’ve heard stories about demanding this and demanding that. I got a call Saturday morning, I got asked if I would take the job, and it was a straightforward ‘yes’.

“I came back here to work at a club to which myself and my family are eternally grateful, and if I can get to the end of the season I think I’ll be one of the longest-serving managers in the Premiership.

"If I do really well and someone better comes along, it’s not a problem. I’m here to help in any way shape or form I can.”

Liverpool currently lie in 12th position, with just 7 wins from 20 games in the Premier League following the reign of Roy Hodgson, something which Dalglish accepts isn't good enough, but is sure that he can put right, despite a decade away from management.

“The squad of players is much better than the form table and points gained so far suggest," Dalglish said.

“Football hasn’t changed. It’s about players and your relationship with them, imparting your knowledge to them."

Dalglish also had his say on the furore surrounding Ryan Babel, and his posting of a doctored photo showing Howard Webb in a Manchester United shirt on Twitter, something that the manager saw as “just a bit of fun".

He added: “The FA should look into it and try to find a sense of humour."

€10m Dutch Ace To Be King Kenny's 'First Signing'

Ricky van Wolfswinkel will be the 'first signing' of the new Kenny Dalglish reign at Anfield, according to Metro.

The FC Utrecht frontman is one of the hottest prospects in Dutch football and has hit the ground running this year with 11 strikes in 17 starts; adding to his tally of 10 goals last season in his debut campaign at the Stadion Galgenwaard.

It had initially been reported by talkSPORT last month that Liverpool had made a formal bid for the 21-year-old and now Metro suggests that, despite competition from Napoli, a deal could soon be concluded.

During his brief tenure at Liverpool, Roy Hodgson was adamant the club needed to bring in attacking reinforcements during the January transfer window and Reds owners New England Sports Ventures look likely to heed his advice - albeit too late for the former Fulham boss.

Van Wolfswinkel would certainly provide Liverpool with the added potency they so crave in the pursuit of Premier League salvation and could make for a dynamic partner for Anfield star Fernando Torres.

The Spaniard has failed to hit the previous heights he enjoyed with Liverpool in the seasons preceding this and is likely to benefit from having the goalscoring burden removed from his shoulders.

But temporary Liverpool boss Dalglish believes the 26-year-old will soon be back to his sensational best.

"Fernando Torres has got a magic wand. We have great aims to build on and it is up to us to get him going," said Dalglish after Liverpool lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup.

"He wants to do it, you can see he wants to do it, and we'll get him going sooner rather than later."

Dalglish To Swoop For €20 Million Ashley Cole Replacement

Liverpool caretaker manager is set to seal a move for Benfica left back Fabio Coentrao as his first signing in January, according to reports.

The new Reds boss wants to bring in a replacement for Paul Konchesky, one of Roy Hodgson’s high-profile flops, to improve their defence.

Alongisde Damian Comolli, Dalglish has amended Liverpool’s January transfer wishlist, which now includes Ryan Shawcross and Ricky van Wolfswinkel at the top.

Coentrao is one of the best full backs around and would be a significant coup for Liverpool and possibly signal signs of better things to come for the remainder of the season.

Dalglish knows he needs to bring a number of new signings into Anfield this month if he is to drag Liverpool out of trouble and a treble swoop would be a good way to announce himself.

The Portuguese was thought to have agreed a move to Chelsea to eventually become Ashley Cole’s replacement at Stamford Bridge last month but those reports seem to have been false.

Cole has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this season so Coentrao was thought to be a target for Carlo Ancelotti but the England international has stayed loyal to Chelsea and looks set to see the season out with them.

And, with Chelsea deciding not to pursue Coentrao, Liverpool is set to swoop for a player who was looking forward to playing in the Barclays Premier League.

Liverpool Given Green Light To Make Move For Spanish Star

Liverpool have been given the green light to make a £17m offer for Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo.

Negredo, 25, has been attracting interest from a number of top clubs following his impressive displays in La Liga.

Liverpool are keen to bolster their forward line and give some much needed support to Fernando Torres who looks well below his best this season.

Kenny Dalglish has just taken charge of first-team affairs but the club has been working hard to bring new faces into the squad.

Reports in Spain suggest that Sevilla would not block a sizeable bid for their star forward and would consider a £17m offer.

Negredo is refusing to be affected by all the speculation surrounding his long-term future but is aware of the interest from Liverpool.

Negredo said: "I read something, but my representative has said there is nothing happening at the moment. I am comfortable with the situation and will just focus on playing for Sevilla."

Glen Johnson Decides Against Liverpool Move After Hodgson Exit

The right-back is rumoured to have fallen out with the former Reds boss earlier in the season and had been linked with a January move to Spain but will take his chance under Kenny Dalglish.

The Anfield legend was installed as the new Liverpool manager until the end of the season at the weekend.

In his first game in charge on Sunday, Liverpool lost to Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup, thanks to a controversial first minute penalty by Ryan Giggs.

Johnson also made the headlines during the weekend after launching an astonishing Twitter attack against former Arsenal player Paul Merson.

After Merson criticized his attitude during this season on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, the Liverpool defender took to Twitter to respond to the criticism.

‘Comments from alcoholic drug abusers are not really gonna upset me and who is Paul Merson to judge players, he was average at the best of times,’ Johnson posted.

’The only reason he's on that show is coz he gambled all his money away. The clown!’

The post though was later deleted by the Liverpool defender.

Ryan Babel Officially Charged By FA

Following Liverpool’s loss to arch rivals Manchester United, Ryan Babel proceeded join the bandwagon and plunge into the debate via Twitter. Babel is fairly famous for using Twitter as I am sure most Liverpool FC fans are aware, but was he out of order?

Of course, Babel isn’t the only player who uses Twitter, many of the QPR players are blasting El Hadj Diouf over the popular site for his unkind words towards Jamie Mackie who suffered a double fracture to his leg for things that he said. Perhaps Diouf will face similar consequences but they have to be in the same category of offense don’t they? Although Diouf’s may be seen as slightly more sickening.

The young Dutchman Ryan Babel blasted the English games best referee Howard Webb saying “And they call him one of the best referees? That’s a joke. SMH.” Babel isn’t the only football related person to be commenting on Howard Webb’s performance, Kenny Dalglish’s son Paul also said “Howard Webb MBE. Manc of the Busby Era. I am not normally bitter, as you know, but it is different rules against them”.

Damien Comolli Says 'Cycle Of Negativity' Led To Roy Hodgson Departure

Liverpool's director of football strategy Damien Comolli has explained that the club dismissed Roy Hodgson from his position as manager due to a "cycle of negativity" sweeping through the team.

Hodgson was sacked on Saturday morning after just six months in charge at Anfield, a spell which had seen Liverpool win only 7 of 20 Premier League matches and has left the five-time European Champions languishing in 12th place and just four points from the relegation spots.

Asked what went wrong under Hodgson, Comolli explained at a press conference to unveil the returning Kenny Dalglish: "There was a cycle of negativity and it was difficult to get it back. Of course it is a shame it didn’t work out, it is difficult to explain."

Supporters were particularly vocal in their condemnation of Hodgson and his methods during his time at Anfield, but the club's commercial director, Ian Ayre, said that the decision to sack Hodgson wasn't based on the fans' distain for the former Fulham boss.

"Our decision was not based on the fans’ reaction," he said.

"Things weren’t gelling – the level and number of defeats were what drove the decision.”

Ayre was also keen to point out that the settlement package agreed with the deposed Hodgson – reported to be in the region of £7.5 million – will not impact upon the money available to new boss Dalglish to improve the squad during the January transfer window.

"We reached a mutual decision with Roy," Ayre explained. "His departure won’t affect the club’s transfer budget."

"I don’t know if we will bring players in," Comolli said. "We have been working but January is a difficult market."

And when pressed on the club's future and on the qualities that it was looking for in a long-term managerial appointment, Comolli said: "Competence, to be able to fit in to the club philosophy and playing philosophy."

That may mean that Dalglish, tied to the managerial role until the end of the season, could be considered on a permanent basis.

Match Report: Manchester United 1 - 0 Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish failed to get the dream start he was looking for as Manchester United ensured his second stint as the new Liverpool boss began with a 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford.

Dalglish arrived from Dubai on Saturday night after accepting the challenge of reviving the Merseysiders' fortunes, which have plummeted dramatically in recent times, culminating in Roy Hodgson's dismissal on Saturday.

And he certainly brought more conviction to his players and Liverpool's supporters.

It will take rather more to create a winning team though, and while Dalglish can take heart from the way his side battled back following Ryan Giggs' controversial second-minute penalty and the dismissal of captain Steven Gerrard for a nasty first-half challenge on Michael Carrick, the Scot knows there is so much work to do.

Still, his name brings hope, even if time has moved on since February 22, 1991, when Dalglish resigned in the wake of an epic 4-4 draw with Everton.

Indeed, just eight days after Dalglish's dramatic decision to quit the club he will forever be linked with, came another significant day in English football - Giggs' United debut.

That Giggs boasts a record 11 Premier League winners' medals, 855 appearances and 157 goals for the Old Trafford outfit just emphasises the time that has elapsed since Dalglish bestrode an Anfield outfit that were still worthy of their status as a football giant.

There was a symmetry therefore about Giggs confidently striding up to dispatch a second-minute penalty that punctured so much of the optimism within the Dalglish bubble.

Not that the Scot would have been entirely convinced by Howard Webb's penalty award. Few who saw the replay were, although Daniel Agger's unwise decision to stick out a leg did offer Dimitar Berbatov something to fall over.

Unfortunately for Dalglish, it was not the last time he had reason to curse Webb, who steered the game towards its eventual outcome with two crucial decisions around the half hour.

The first was a non-decision when Rafael thudded into Raul Meireles with a tackle that won the ball, but was also two-footed.

Had Webb taken action for that, Gerrard might have thought twice about his own ill-fated lunge.

But the World Cup final referee kept his cards in his pocket and waved play on.

The same did not apply when Gerrard launched himself into England team-mate Carrick, going over the top of the United man, which Webb deemed reckless enough to merit instant dismissal.

Having taken all this into account, and the remainder of an otherwise positive opening 45 minutes for his team, Dalglish loitered for just long enough after the half-time whistle to suggest he might take issue with Webb. In the end, he opted not to bother.

The Scot's interval team talk could at least have reflected on decent opportunities for Fernando Torres, denied the chance to exert his superiority over Nemanja Vidic by the United skipper's absence, Gerrard and Maxi Rodriguez.

He must also have known that United would dominate possession in the way his own side had done before Gerrard's departure.

And if Javier Hernandez had been able to glance Darren Fletcher's right-wing cross into the bottom corner a couple of minutes after the restart, Liverpool would have had nothing worth fighting for anyway.

As it turned out, the Mexican was off target. And though Liverpool did spend long periods chasing possession, roused by their supporters, who were gaining their own voice through Dalglish, they refused to give up.

Ryan Babel brought a low save out of Tomasz Kuszczak before Fabio Aurelio sent a free-kick curling towards the top corner, forcing the Pole to claw the ball away.

It took United some time to re-establish dominance, although when they did, two blocked shots, for Berbatov and Rafael, rejected penalty appeals for Jonny Evans and Giggs, both far more plausible than the one Webb gave, plus an excellent save from Reina to deny Patrice Evra, were scant reward for a thrilling melee.

The sight of Michael Owen being introduced for United 16 minutes from time just added another surreal dimension to an amazing day.

There was no goal for Owen against his old club, as Anderson and Evra went closest to increasing United's advantage before the final whistle.

Dalglish Fumes At 'Joke' Penalty Decision

Kenny Dalglish has blasted the penalty decision that cost him a winning start to life as Liverpool's caretaker manager.

Ryan Giggs' first-minute spot-kick, awarded after Daniel Agger's challenge forced Dimitar Berbatov to go to ground, handed Manchester United a 1-0 win in the FA Cup third-round tie at Old Trafford.

The controversy didn't stop there, however, with Steven Gerrard shown a straight red card in the first half after jumping into a tackle on Michael Carrick.

Dalglish, returning to the dugout for the first time since a spell at Celtic in 2000, disagreed with both decisions.

"The penalty is a joke," he said. "I have seen the replay and unless they have changed the rules it is no penalty.