• Premier League

Agger bemoans Hodgson's long-ball style

ESPNsoccernet staff
September 21, 2010
Daniel Agger does not want to 'unload' the ball © Getty Images
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Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has spoken out against the tactics of boss Roy Hodgson, claiming that the club's new long-ball style is not the way that he wants to play the game.

Agger has grown frustrated at Anfield after falling behind Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel in the pecking order and has been used out of position at left-back this season. Now the Danish international has hit out at Hodgson's tactical approach.

"I'm here to play football and not to unload [the ball]," Agger told Danish TV station channel 6'eren. "The manager has a philosophy that we're playing football further up the pitch and then you have to play a different kind of football at the back. That's not my style. That's not the type of football player I am. I like to keep the ball on the ground. And I'm going to keep doing that. Whether he'll use me or not, time will tell.

"I guess I'll try to change even though I'm not going to be the player that unloads the ball every single time I get it. I'll fight for my chance. I'll get the chance. I know what I represent and I think he also knows that."

Agger's anger continued in another interview with Danish football show Onside when he again voiced his reluctance to embrace Hodgson's approach.

"Our play has changed, so I'll have to adjust a bit," he said. "But to be honest, I'm not going to adjust 100%. I'm a footballer who keeps the ball on the floor. I'm here to play, not to unload."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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