Liverpool take on Turkish outfit Trabzonspor tonight in a Europa League qualifier (Match Betting – Liverpool 1/4, draw 9/2, Trabzonspor 11/1) but manager Roy Hodgson admits his focus is on the Premier League.
The Anfield boss was in charge of Fulham last season as he guided them to the final of the same competition but when asked what his priority was Hodgson confirmed the league was more important, but he is still targeting European success (Liverpool 12/1 – Premier League outright).
“If you are going to prioritise you would prioritise the league always,” explained Hodgson.
“You would like to do both but if one was forced to choose one, you would prioritise the Premier League.”
Hodgson’s comments came after he was asked whether Spanish striker Fernando Torres would be fit to face Trabzonspor. Liverpool’s star man came off the bench in the Reds’ season opener against Arsenal last weekend but he may not be risked tonight as Hodgson is eager for the forward to be fit to face Manchester City on Monday.
However, Hodgson revealed Torres is eager to play some part against the Turkish side and hinted he may be handed a place on the bench.
“We don’t want to throw him in too early but he is very keen to get back in,” Hodgson said of Torres.
The Liverpool boss will be without the services of midfielder Javier Mascherano and defender Daniel Agger. Both suffered knocks in the 1-1 draw with the Gunners and are set to miss out tonight. Mascherano’s place looks set to be taken by new-boy Christian Poulsen, while Fabio Aurelio is in line to fill in for Agger at left-back for the Europa League tie (Liverpool 9/1 – Europa League outright).
Mascherano is still expected to depart Anfield before the transfer window closes on September 1 but Hodgson will not allow the Argentine star to leave on the cheap. Since his switch from West Ham, Mascherano has established himself as one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League and Hodgson is adamant the club will receive a fair price for one of their prize assets.
“He hopes that a club comes in where he could be reunited with his family – which is the major problem for him – that offers us what he is worth and we accept that,” said Hodgson when asked about the situation regarding Mascherano.
“But he has also made it clear that he doesn’t regard it as a hardship to play for Liverpool Football Club. In fact, it’s the reverse. It’s because of family matters that he wants to go.”
Denmark international Poulsen has been brought in by Hodgson to replace Mascherano if the Argentina international can find a new club. Former Anfield boss Rafael Bentiez, now in charge of Inter Milan, has been linked with a swoop for Mascherano but so far the Italian giants have been unable to agree a fee with Liverpool.
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