The Reds will not be dining at the top table of European football for at least 12 months after coming seventh last term at the end of a campaign that eventually saw the departure of Rafa Benitez.

And while the Spaniard will be in the Champions League again now he has re-surfaced at Inter Milan, the club he has left behind is languishing in the second tier in Europe, something loyal Reds fans hope will prove to be only a temporary setback.

With that in mind, Hodgson, who impressed last season by taking Fulham all the way to the final of the Europa League, has appeared to suggest something must give as he bids to lead Liverpool – the five-times champions of Europe – back to the promised land (Reds 9/1 – Premier League 2010/11 Outright).

As far as the here and now is concerned, Liverpool will face FK Rabotnicki of Macedonia in the third qualifying round of the Europa League following their win over two legs against Mika, but Hodgson admits progression cannot simply be taken for granted.

“I worry a lot about not having enough players for next week,” the popular Croydon-born coach revealed in the Daily Mail in reference to the trip to Skopje for the first leg next Thursday.

“These will be two unbelievably difficult games at this stage of the season but it depends where we put the Europa League in the grand scheme of things.

“The sports scientists tell me it would be wrong if I use the World Cup players this early, if we want to use them throughout the season.

“But if we don’t throw them in, then we don’t have the players with experience to play these games, so it is a cleft stick.

“It is a balance that I cannot sort out on my own. It will be a decision for the club to take on.

“Where in the list of priorities does the Europa League come.”

Red winger Albert Riera is set to move to Greek giants Olympiacos by the weekend after receiving a hero’s welcome on Thursday on his arrival in Greece.

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Cesc Fabregas

The Gunners captain is away with Spain at the World Cup finals but the Catalan giants’ pursuit of his signature is well documented, with incoming Barca president Sandro Rosell looking to bring in a marquee player.

Fabregas appears to be keeping his options well and truly open, however, as he instead concentrates on Spain’s bid to add the world crown to the Euro 2008 title (Spain 11/4 Outright).

The 23-year-old told The Mirror: “I haven’t said that I will definitely leave Arsenal.

“Everything is possible. Now I have my head and my focus on the World Cup.

“I am very proud to be captain of Arsenal and I love the club and have respect for them. It gave me much pride to be made captain.”

Fabregas joined Arsenal as a 16-year-old and has gone on to make almost 200 career appearances for the north Londoners.

But Vilassar de Mar-born central midfielder has found it harder to establish himself in La Roja’s XI since his debut in 2006, with strong competition from the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, David Silva, Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets and Marcos Senna over the years.

Spain have made it through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup where they face Paraguay in Johannesburg on Saturday (Paraguay 7/1, draw 11/4, Spain 1/2 – 90 Minutes).

And Barcelona star Xavi reckons Vicente del Bosque’s men are finding form at just the right time after losing their opening group game to Switzerland despite dominating over 90 minutes.

Speaking after the win over Iberian peninsula neighbours Portugal in the second round, the 30-year-old said: ?We played a great game. It was a great collective effort.

“We maintained possession and we wanted to play our style of football.

“Portugal basically gave us the ball. They tried to regain possession for counter-attacks but we dealt with it.

“We really enjoyed our football. It was the best match we’ve played in this World Cup so far.

“We controlled the ball in both halves but maybe attacked more in the second.

“We scored the goal and then we could enjoy it more.”

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England

King is struggling with a groin problem and has already been ruled out of the crunch World Cup Group C clash with Slovenia in Port Elizabeth where only a win will guarantee the Three Lions passage into the last 16 in South Africa (Slovenia 13/2, draw 16/5, England 4/9 – match betting).

Capello’s tactics have come under fire from all quarters, with his reluctance to use Joe Cole baffling to players and fans alike, and it seems certain he will change his midfield for the final group game following back-to-back draws with USA and Algeria.

And although Carrick can only be classed as an outside bet to come into England’s engine room, the fact an ankle knock picked up in training on Sunday kept him out of today?s session will be another irritant to perfectionist Capello.

The England coach is puzzled by his side’s Jekyll and Hyde character after claiming their performances in matches bear little resemblance to the work put in on the training ground (England 4/9 – To Qualify From Group C).

The Italian said: “It almost feels like all the work of the last two years has been for nothing. I am not happy because we have worked hard for 20 days.

“You see all the things during the training. Then on the pitch it is completely different. As a manager, when that happens it is no good.

“I don’t understand why during a game we don’t change the rhythm or the speed. We are really slow.

“At this World Cup if you don’t run or press or fight it is difficult to go forward.”

Capello’s more likely decision on Wednesday will be to recall Joe Cole which was alluded to by former captain John Terry when he faced the media on Sunday.

Terry is baffled at how far the former West Ham youngster and current free agent has fallen down the pecking order for both club and country.

The Chelsea skipper said: “Joe is one of the best players in our country. He and Wayne Rooney are the only two who can open up things up.

“It still amazes me how Chelsea have come to the conclusion of letting Joe go. But he can surely do things for England whether he starts or comes on.”

Nevertheless, Terry also took the chance to dismiss rumour of a split in the England squad over Capello’s strict regime.

He insisted: “I have seen a few reports myself. There is no unrest in the camp at all.

“I’m here on behalf of all the players to say we are all fully behind the manager. Everyone is positive.”

England will be forced into one change against Slovenia after Jamie Carragher picked up his second yellow card of the tournament against Algeria. Either Matthew Upson or the uncapped Michael Dawson will stand-in for the Liverpool man.

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Jose Mourinho has admitted that the only two options for him this summer are to stay at Inter or make the switch to Real Madrid.

Mourinho has not officially been contacted by Madrid but the Portuguese has fuelled speculation after telling the Italian press, “I want to coach Real 100 per cent. If it is next year or later, I can’t say.

“All I say is that if you are a coach or a great player, to not play in a club like Madrid leaves a hole in your career.”

Mourinho has established himself as one of the world’s most prestigious managers, winning titles in Portugal, England and Italy – so far.

The former Chelsea boss is always looking for a new challenge and that, combined with his fiery relationship with the Italian media, could lead to an exit from the Milan side.

Mourinho has publically commented on the fact that he and his family don’t feel at home in Italy and has blasted the Italian FA for making him what he describes as a hate figure.

A move to the Spanish capital would certainly provide Mourinho with a fresh start and what would surely be his biggest managerial challenge to date.

Current Real coach Manuel Pellegrini and his side amassed 96 points in the league this season and were only beaten to the title by a rampant Barcelona side on the final day.

So, if Mourinho does make the switch, he can expect enormous pressure to win both La Liga and the Champions League in his first season – most Real Madrid managers don’t get two.

Related posts:

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2. Inter ’s Mourinho Proves to be the Special One Again
3. Serie A Predictions: Mourinho’s Inter Milan To Thrash Catania

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