Konchesky fouls Bale after a storming run by the Welshman
Paul Konchesky has admitted to short-comings in his game as he struggles to come to terms with the demands of playing for Liverpool.
The 29 year old left back, signed in the summer from Hodgson’s former club Fulham admits he lacks the big club experience demanded by the Kop.
Konchesky spent a two month loan spell at White Hart Lane in 2003 before Glenn Hoddle decided against a purchase. At that time Alan Curbishley had placed the then 22 year old on the Charlton Athletic transfer list. His most recent memory of White Hart Lane will also be one of disappointment after he let Lennon soar past him to score the injury time winner that moved Spurs 6 points ahead of the reds.
Many Liverpool fans have been critical of Konchesky’s lack of ability, but Roy Hodgson has been steadfast in his support for the left back.
Paul said:
“I’ve got to up my game. Where I’ve played before has not been as high a standard as Liverpool, but this is a good pressure,”
“The fans want you to be in the top four because that’s where Liverpool belong.
“Straight after (Lennon’s winner) I knew that I’d have to hold my hands up, but we also had chances to win the game.
“That’s part of football and we’ve got to try to take the positives out of the game.
“I was gutted (with the winner); being the last minute as well it didn’t give us any time to get back into the game.
“But that’s life, we’ve got to put it behind us, and I’ve got to put it behind myself for the next game.”
I think Digger has hit the nail on the head. Many teams have average players but use a system that excels their capabilities. Take Assou-Etoku, not a great left back but is consistent performer as Spurs like to press and apply pressure hence the 2nd half comeback vs Arsenal. Roy insists his teams play deep in their own half with a preference for the defence and midfield to sit and soak up pressure rather then pressing. That explains why we have been terrible away from home – not good enough Roy.
Come on Roy, the fans are telling you he’s not good enough, the opposition are showing you he’s not good enough and in a round-about sort of way konchesky’s admitting he’s not Liverpool quality. There’s no shame in admitting you made a mistake Roy. Just move on, accept Liverpool we’re a bridge too far for you take konchesky with ya and step down. Bring back the king!!!
In fairness to Konchesky he is no worse than Riise or Insua. The biggest problem this year is the insistence on sitting deep, not pressing and allowing the opposition to have lots of the ball. Hence, we are awful away from home. Don’t think there are too many full-backs that would have stopped a full steam aaron lennon in that position. In addition, we should really expect our centre back to win the first header.
Thanks for Paul’s honest admits..But he will be never a mighty reds rank player..RH need to realise that before it’s too late for him..We do not want to see another repeatation chapter of RB..Hopes J.Henry and his Co to do something in January transfer window if want the supporters to back them..Where is Christian Nemeth? Why RH not using him? He is a potential striker and much better than Ngog? Why this people don’t realize that?
I cannot understand why Roy still sticks with him in spite of his average play. But we must credit Konchesky for being honest and sincere. He is a hard working player no doubt but just does not suits the demand of Liverpool. Liverpool is looking more and more like a mid table team under Roy.
Roy himself is an average coach who is regularly linked to such players.He still has a Fulham mindset unable to understand that at Liverpool the fans have expectations and considers every away draw to be a good result.
We need a big name coach like Frank Rijkaard or Guus Hiddink who top class players want to play for otherwise the likes of Konchesky will dominate our ranks.He never was or will be Liverpool class even on his best day but for now we’re stuck with him and Hodgson.
One of the main reasons Rafa has to go in the end was his mindless faith in players who were loyal to him but never up to the job. I really hope Roy doesn’t keep making the same short sighted mistake. Konchesky seems like an honest enough pro but he is average in too many obvious ways. Now that Aurelio is back Roy should use him.
No where near good enough!!