Liverpool? I’m happy at Fulham, says Hodgson
The 62-year-old is reportedly a target to replace Rafael Benitez at Anfield after he heroically turned Fulham from relegation contenders to Europa League finalists.
However, Hodgson insists he knows nothing about the reports and maintains he would be happy to fulfil his contract with Fulham.
He said: “I don’t know about [the Liverpool job]. I’ve said it before, I’m not a newspaper reader and know nothing about my name being linked with other jobs.
“I’m happy here at Fulham. If I am linked with other jobs, it is very flattering but I have a contract here at Fulham. We all prefer praise, so it would be ridiculous to suggest that while people are writing nice things about us, that I have not enjoyed it.
“But I’m trying to keep a level head because the better you do, the barrier is raised and that makes it hard for you in the long run. The only thing I can say is that once you achieve something, those moments cannot be taken away from you. You have to enjoy these moments, and yes I’m enjoying it.”
Fulham wisely conserved their key players for their forthcoming Europa League final as Hodgson made seven changes from the team that beat Hamburg. Only Mark Schwarzer, John Pantsil, Paul Konchesky and goal hero Simon Davies started the successive fixtures.
Fulham’s leading scorer, and former West Ham striker, Bobby Zamora took his place in the stands as he tries to shake off his Achilles injury ahead of their clash with Atletico Madrid in Hamburg.
After a slow start West Ham had two chances to open the scoring in the 24th minute. First, Mark Noble’s shot on the turn drew a fine save from Schwarzer. Matthew Upson headed wide from the resulting corner.
Clint Dempsey came closer for Fulham three minutes later when his shot from 25 yards clipped the bar.
West Ham defender Manuel Da Costa then tried his luck with a long-range effort that Schwarzer tipped around the post while midfielder Radoslav Kovac headed wide from Noble’s corner.
West Ham were made to pay for their missed opportunities when Dempsey gave Fulham the lead on the stroke of half-time.
Konchesky fed in the American international, who played a neat one-two with Davies, before lashing past Robert Green.
On 55 minutes Fulham’s second arrived, as Chris Baird’s effort struck Carlton Cole and deflected past Green. But Cole went someway to redeeming himself when he pulled a goal back for the Hammers in the 62nd minute. Noble’s floated free-kick was perfect for the striker, who made a backwards header past Schwarzer.
Fulham restored their advantage when Jonathan Spector slipped to allow Erik Nevland to sneak in and cross for Stefano Okaka to fire home. By that point, West Ham were dead and buried and when West Ham substitute Guillermo Franco fired home in stoppage time, it was just a consolation.
Manager Gianfranco Zola admitted his team have been poor in their away fixtures this season.
He said: “The away form has not been good enough and we have to do better and I take responsibility for that. It is very disappointing.
“The talk about my future does not affect me. I don’t want to talk about it, I just want to focus on the football.”
MATCH RATING: **** – Although this was an end of season match, it still had plenty of bright moments. Exciting throughout.
REFEREE: Andre Marriner (W Midlands) 8 – Let the game flow as best he could and was fair with his decision making. Had a comfortable game.
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