Reds chief calls for improvement

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has labelled the club’s on-field performances as ‘unacceptable’ and is expecting results to improve at Merseyside.

Werner also provided a vote of confidence for under-fire manager Roy Hodgson and backed the former Fulham boss to lead a much improved second half of the season.

After a dreadful start to his tenure at Anfield, Hodgson saw his side charge to a six-game unbeaten streak that included a 2-0 win over reigning champions Chelsea.

But that mini-revival took a jolt with a 3-1 loss to Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday, once again casting the spotlight on the club’s stuttering domestic campaign that sees them sit ninth on the Premier League table.

“Nobody, least of all Roy, was happy with our performance last weekend,” Werner told LFC-TV.

“We have to perform better, especially on the road. We believe in what Roy is doing and we certainly feel like the performance has to improve, and he’d be the first to say that.”

Werner also hinted that Hodgson will be provided with funds to boost his playing stocks during the January transfer window.

“We’re actively looking at it (the transfer window). We don’t quite know what the situation’s going to be in January. It’s our first transfer window and it’s something we’ve been studying day and night.”

“There’s no doubt the play that has gone on this season, and for the last half of last season, is unacceptable for Liverpool to accomplish what it wants to accomplish.”

“We’re in sync with the fans with regard to what it’s going to take for this club going forward.”