Hodgson surprised by Comolli move, says Henry

Liverpool owner John W. Henry admits Reds manager Roy Hodgson was surprised to discover that Damien Comolli had been appointed as director of football strategy at Anfield.

Comolli, who held a similar role at Tottenham from 2005 to 2008, will work closely with Hodgson after Henry decided to bring in the Frenchman earlier this week.

Henry, owner of the New England Sports Ventures (NESV) group that bought Liverpool last month, explained that Hodgson will need to have his transfer targets approved before moving into the market.

The move came as something of a shock to Hodgson but Henry is convinced the former Fulham chief will be able to work with Comolli.

“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 on Friday.

“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. He knows Damien.

“The model really requires people of certain personalities for it to work and Roy and Damien are two personalities who will mesh well together.”

Following the takeover by NESV, Liverpool are expected to bolster their squad during the January transfer window.

The arrival of Comolli raised questions over what influence he will have on signings.

Hodgson has said he expects to be given the final say, although Henry’s strategy will allow significant input into deals from the likes of Comolli.

“It’ll be a group decision,” Henry added. “You build consensus. I think that’s a very good model. But they’ll each be in charge of their own areas.”