Furious Hodgson not to condemn Capello after Gerrard’s plea

LONDON - Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson, who is furious for losing Steven Gerrard for a month with a torn hamstring, has refused to publicly condemn Fabio Capello after a plea from Gerrard.

Midfielder Gerrard played for 85 minutes in England’s 2-1 defeat to France on Wednesday night, despite assurances from boss Capello that he would only have an hour.

“My thoughts on Steven are obviously, as Liverpool manager, that I’m frustrated and disappointed to lose such a good player for a long period of time after a friendly,” The Sun quoted him, as saying.

“Saying anything other than I’m disappointed and a bit angry would be dishonest, but Steven is anxious to put a tin lid on the matter. We’ve had a couple of days of club-versus-country debate but Steven is a very important player for both teams and anxious to put this behind him,” Hodgson said.

“He’s keen to make it clear he is disappointed and sad too, but will do everything to get to full fitness as soon as possible. I’ve not spoken to Capello, I don’t want to discuss it, but I don’t expect an apology from anyone.

“I’ve said all I have to say. I won’t add any fuel to the fire or the debate, which has been raging. My main concern is Liverpool Football Club, the match against West Ham - and with Steven in particular,” Hodgson added. (ANI)