http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/liverpool/1015292/ROY-IN-DESPAIR.htmlROY HODGSON is at breaking point after a damning assessment of his Liverpool team.
The Kop chief has confided in friends that they are SIX players short of challenging at the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool go into Sunday's game against Blackpool in the bottom three for the first time since 1984 and pals are concerned Hodgson will not be able to cope with the pressure of transforming the team.
They have noticed a change in Hodgson's usually relaxed manner and fear the pressure of turning Liverpool around is beginning to affect him.
Last season he appeared in complete control after guiding Fulham to the Europa League final and 12th placed in the Premier League.
Hodgson will not quit Liverpool, but fears that any potential new owners are likely to want their own man in charge at Anfield.
The Kop's desperate financial situation prevented Hodgson from making widespread changes to the squad in the summer and fear it's his reputation on the line.
After holding out for the England job following the World Cup, he eventually joined Liverpool when it became clear Fabio Capello would not be fired.
He was initially convinced he could tweak the squad and turn them into a top four team again after succeeding Rafa Benitez.
Instead his conservative methods in training and on the pitch have been met by a brickwall.
The culture at the club is playing attacking football, but Hodgson wants his team to play on the counter.
Hodgson's relationship with Fernando Torres is already strained and the World Cup winner has yet to respond to his new manager.
Impact
Liverpool will attempt to turn their season around at home to Blackpool on Sunday after a dreadful start.
They have won just once in the Premier League this season and Hodgson is struggling to make an impact.
Three of his signings - Paul Konchesky, Christian Poulsen and Raul Meireles - have yet to impress.
Hodgson has privately assessed the Liverpool squad and has conceded they are a long way short of Manchester United and Chelsea.
Many of his influential players are struggling to adapt to his training methods and want Hodgson to be more attack minded to satisfy supporters.
Hodgson has other changes in mind, but fears a backlash from supporters if he drops some of Liverpool's influential stars.
A close friend said: "We're worried about Roy, he's not the same person.
"Last year he thrived as the underdog, but he doesn't like criticism and doesn't enjoy people questioning his methods.
"It's too early to say he regrets taking the job, but it's dawning on him just how big it is. He's not a quitter, he's carry on."