Liverpool boss says not to dismiss side's top-four chances
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has told the club’s detractors not to dismiss their chances of finishing in the top four of the English Premier League this season.
After their worst start to a campaign in 57 years (they picked up just six points from eight games), Liverpool have won their last three games — against Blackburn Rovers at home, Bolton Wanderers away and league leaders Chelsea at Anfield, lifting them into
ninth place.
They are now just five points behind Manchester City, who are in fourth place. A victory against Wigan Athletic on Wednesday, 10 November, could push the club up into fifth spot.
However, the Liverpool boss stopped short of guaranteeing a finish in the top four, which brings with it the chance to play UEFA Champions League football next season.
He told ESPN, "I don't wish to play down our chances but I think it is unfair to ask coaches like myself, who have had a bad start to the season and fallen way behind, whether they will be in the top four.
"My answer will only set me up for ridicule later on. I would like to really discuss our top-four potential when we can really see whether it is a truly viable proposition or not.
"I'll keep my powder dry and you can happily question me with six games to go and I'll give you the intelligent answer. It is all to play for at the moment and I certainly wouldn't write us off that's for sure, but on the other hand, being
five points adrift is clearly not where people want to be.''
After the Wigan game, the Reds have a pair of matches which will provide them with a good opportunity to move back up the table. They will play Stoke City on 13 November and bottom-of-the-table West Ham United on 20 November.
However, the following game, on 28 November, will see them take on Tottenham Hotspur, one of their main rivals for a place in the top four.
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