Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is refusing to press the panic button over the Reds’ slow start to the season as he looks to guide them through the group stages of the Europa League (Liverpool 9/1 second favourites – Europa League Outright).
The Kop outfit take on Dutch side Utrecht on Thursday night knowing that their first chance to win silverware this term – the Carling Cup – has gone following the embarrassing home defeat to League Two Northampton in the third round (Utrecht 12/5, draw 12/5, Liverpool 11/10 – 90 Minutes).
Realistically, Liverpool are highly unlikely to mount a serious Premier League challenge after one win in their opening six games so it all comes down to Europe and the FA Cup – the last trophy the club lifted back in 2006.
But Hodgson is insistent that he will not write off any competition, with a top-four finish in the Premier League arguably their man aim.
“Our priorities have been to do the best in every competition,” said Hodgson ahead of the Utrecht game.
“Although these days I will be accused of not doing that because people will say the (weakened) team I played against Northampton was not the team to win the game.”
The former Fulham boss added: “There certainly is not the gloom that you would like to suggest.
“But at the same time I can’t say everyone is delighted with the start we have had because we are not.
“We would have liked to have been sitting near the top of the table with 12 or 14 points and we would have been happy as sand-boys.
“That’s what we wanted but you don’t always get what you want.”
Hodgson has refused to confirm whether or not star striker, but out of form, Fernando Torres will start in Holland, with the Reds entertaining Blackpool at Anfield on Sunday.
Captain Steven Gerrard did not travel as Hodgson takes the chance to rest the midfielder while defender Daniel Agger is out with a groin problem.
Agger is joined on the sidelines by Paul Konchesky (hamstring) and Fabio Aurelio (Achilles).
Liverpool got their Europa League campaign off to a winning start after beating Steaua Bucharest 4-1.
In contrast, Utrecht drew 0-0 in Italy against Napoli (Utrecht 0-0 Liverpool 8/1 – Correct Score).
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