• Premier League

Hodgson surprised by Comolli appointment - Henry

ESPN staff
November 5, 2010
John Henry was at Anfield with his wife to see Liverpool come from behind to beat Napoli 3-1 © PA Photos
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New Liverpool owner John Henry has admitted that he did not consult manager Roy Hodgson over the appointment of Damien Comolli.

Henry took ownership of the club after a lengthy legal wrangling with Tom Hicks and George Gillett and immediately assured Hodgson his job was safe, but remains coy on the Reds' manager's long-term future.

Former Tottenham director of football Comolli was unveiled as the club's new director of football strategy on Wednesday and although Henry admitted Hodgson was surprised at the appointment, he was confident the pair would work well together.

"I really didn't talk that much with Roy over the week or so before we made the decision to bring Damien in," Henry told Sky Sports News.

"I think he may have been surprised when I brought it up a couple of days before we brought in Damien. But he was fully supportive. The model really requires people of certain personalities for it to work and Roy and Damien are two personalities who will mesh well together."

Despite assuring Hodgson that his job was safe, Henry refused to confirm Hodgson was the long-term solution at Anfield.

"He certainly is at this point," Henry replied when asked if Hodgson was the right man to lead Liverpool. "But I cannot make any assurances about the future. Just two months ago I didn't know that much about English football but we tend to stay with our managers.

"Roy didn't focus this team so I think he has been unfairly criticised this year so I see it as my role at this point to support in every way I can, and make sure he has the resources to accomplish what he wants to accomplish. He's our manager, he's not going to leave - there is no change that is imminent."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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