Hodgson keeps focus solely on football

LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson insists speculation over the club’s future ownership will not affect his focus on football.

The 62-year-old enjoyed a straightforward Anfield debut last night as his side beat Macedonians Rabotnicki 2-0 in their Europa League third qualifying round second leg as a David Ngog header and a Steven Gerrard penalty before half-time wrapped up a 4-0 aggregate victory. However, the club is currently being dominated by issues off the pitch as various factions jostle for position in the race to take over from American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Reports yesterday suggested the Chinese government was behind a bid fronted by Hong Kong-based businessman Kenny Huang while Syrian Yahya Kirdi has claimed he is in pole position to become the new owner.

Hodgson admits he does not have any involvement in that side of the club’s business but he is acutely aware what impact continued delays in a change of ownership could have.

“The interesting thing for me today was the game, that has been my total focus,” he said.

“When and if a takeover takes place I’m sure I will be informed.

“I think the danger would be in a late takeover that money would be made available but we wouldn’t have had a chance to research the players in this transfer window.’’

LIVERPOOL: Cavalieri, Johnson, Carragher, Kelly, Skrtel, Gerrard (Aquilani 62), Cole, Lucas (Spearing 73), Jovanovic (Maxi 67), Ngog, Pacheco.