Roy Admits Poulsen Struggles

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson admits summer signing Christian Poulsen is 'devastated' by the poor start he has made to his Anfield career

The Danish international has conceded he has yet to show his best form since his summer arrival from Juventus as he is still adapting to life in England.

Poulsen was withdrawn to ironic jeers against Napoli in the Europa League at Anfield last week while his late introduction for Dirk Kuyt during Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Wigan was booed by some Liverpool fans.

Since arriving as a replacement for Javier Mascherano, Poulsen has made 12 appearances for Liverpool but has not started in the Premier League since the 2-1 defeat at home to Blackpool in early October.

Hodgson admits Poulsen is struggling to reach his best form but insists the 30-year-old can handle the reaction of the club's fans.

"Unfortunately I can't do anything about the fans, but he's had one or two games in front of our crowd where he's not played well, he knows he's not," said Hodgson.

"He's devastated by that and the crowd, who aren't stupid, know he's not played well, it's a fact of life.

"But he's got quality, he's a good defensive midfield player. He's not that bad on the ball, but let's not beat about the bush and try to disguise the fact, he's had a bad start.

"When I took him off at half-time in one game he was devastated - not just because I'd made the decision (to bring him off) but because he knows he was nowhere near the level he can play.

"He knows having played in Italy, for Juventus, when you play well the crowd sing your name and when you're not playing well they boo you. He knows that.

"But I have every faith in him. We will get a lot of good use out of him over the year but he knows it will be tough to win the fans over.

"I can't wave a magic wand to do that, I can't speak for them, but I'd be surprised if the ones at Wigan said he didn't do anything for the team because he did.

"He won a lot of challenges, got us on the counter attack on several occasions, didn't miss a pass and won a few headers."