Don't get excited he is talking about Gerrard, and thats the only time you will ever see Hodgson and True leader in the same sentence!
From the Official:
Hodgson: He is a true leader
27th Dec 2010 - Latest News
Roy Hodgson has welcomed the return to fitness of skipper Steven Gerrard - and urged the rest of his team to play 'follow my leader' over the coming fixtures.
The boss thinks the England international - who was due to return for the postponed clash with Blackpool on Boxing Day - is one of a dwindling number of true leaders in the modern game.
And Hodgson believes Gerrard's presence in the team can inspire others to lift their performance by following his example.
"Steven helps all players, and it is harder to find leaders in the world of football today," said the Anfield manager. "You think of the great teams of the past and their leaders jump out at you.
"Often there were several in the same team. Danny Blanchflower and Dave Mackay at Spurs, the great Arsenal team with Adams etc. ( He seemed to forget who else 'lead' the Arse at this point)"
Today it is not so easy to pick out the leaders. We are lucky to have one or two but what you are fighting for as a coach is to get more leaders in your team.
"The less results you get the less leaders you have though, it's as simple as that."
Meanwhile, Hodgson has spoken of his confidence that Fernando Torres will soon be back to his best following a campaign in which he has netted five times in 18 appearances.
"I just think Fernando is getting stronger, fitter and more confident," said the gaffer. "All he needs is a goal or two and then he'll explode.
"I watch him in training every day and he works very hard, he's fully committed to everything, but he's a front player and they play on unbelievably tight margins.
"All he needs is a couple of goals or a couple of good performances and you will see the Fernando Torres of old."
From the Official:
Hodgson: He is a true leader
27th Dec 2010 - Latest News
Roy Hodgson has welcomed the return to fitness of skipper Steven Gerrard - and urged the rest of his team to play 'follow my leader' over the coming fixtures.
The boss thinks the England international - who was due to return for the postponed clash with Blackpool on Boxing Day - is one of a dwindling number of true leaders in the modern game.
And Hodgson believes Gerrard's presence in the team can inspire others to lift their performance by following his example.
"Steven helps all players, and it is harder to find leaders in the world of football today," said the Anfield manager. "You think of the great teams of the past and their leaders jump out at you.
"Often there were several in the same team. Danny Blanchflower and Dave Mackay at Spurs, the great Arsenal team with Adams etc. ( He seemed to forget who else 'lead' the Arse at this point)"
Today it is not so easy to pick out the leaders. We are lucky to have one or two but what you are fighting for as a coach is to get more leaders in your team.
"The less results you get the less leaders you have though, it's as simple as that."
Meanwhile, Hodgson has spoken of his confidence that Fernando Torres will soon be back to his best following a campaign in which he has netted five times in 18 appearances.
"I just think Fernando is getting stronger, fitter and more confident," said the gaffer. "All he needs is a goal or two and then he'll explode.
"I watch him in training every day and he works very hard, he's fully committed to everything, but he's a front player and they play on unbelievably tight margins.
"All he needs is a couple of goals or a couple of good performances and you will see the Fernando Torres of old."
