New Liverpool boss confident about Gerrard stay

(GSM) – New Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson believes Steven Gerrard will stay true to the club.

Hogdson said the talismanic captain has given “no indication” that he intends to leave Anfield.

The former Fulham manager talked with Gerrard, centre half Jamie Carragher and the academy ambassador, Kenny Dalglish, at the club’s training ground, Melwood last week.

“I anticipate there might be a situation where other big clubs will try and sign Steven, but he gave no indication that he wanted to leave,” Hodgson told LFC Weekly. “Nobody at the club wants him to go so I will be doing my utmost to make sure he stays. I am confident he will.

“I think they [the talks] went splendidly. I was very happy to meet the players and, of course, Kenny who I already know so well. I was delighted to see how positive they are. Everybody is looking forward to the new season.”

He continued: “Obviously Steven and Jamie are the playing heartbeat of the club and it’s very important we keep people like that with us.”

Hodgson also indicated that he will speak to Liverpool’s other star player, Fernando Torres once his World Cup commitments with Spain are concluded after Sunday’s final.

“Fernando is a wonderful striker,” he said. “And I understand the fans’ concerns about his future.”

“Unfortunately with the World Cup still on, I won’t be able to meet him face to face for another few weeks. That’s just circumstance and you won’t hear me complaining about it. When I do meet him, I will be doing everything I possibly can to convince him that Liverpool is the place to be.

“If he sees progress, I am confident that he won’t want to go anywhere else. I think he understands the club and the city.”