Dojji, I agree with everything JohnShaft says, but you may want more details specific to on-field tactics? What JohnShaft and the rest of us are saying is that Hodgson's tactics are far too conservative. He has the team play defensively, trying to prevent the other team from scoring by fielding a very defensive squad and having them play "deep" to protect our goal from the other team, rather than offensively, attacking the other end in effort to score or drive them batty trying. Obviously there's more risk in focusing your personnel on the attack because it leaves you vulnerable, and, more obviously, teams that win in any sport have the right balance. But it was shocking at the weekend to look at the pitch and see 8 of our outfield players lined up deep in our own half for such long stretches -- with the other two not that far ahead. It wasn't a happy group at our house.
Mid and lower table teams may play more defensively when they might be happy with a draw, in which they take away one point instead of 3 for winning. We would rather attack, play boldly and tirelessly, and if we lose then, in international sport terms, we have left it all on the field. If we are going to lose a match we would prefer it to at least have been exciting and and hopeful to the end, to enjoy some beautiful plays and/or thrilling efforts before the whistle blows (in this we are very much like baseball fans, minus the whistle).
Regarding Hodgson and the press. Just like in any sport, when managers (or players) read the papers too much, it can get in their head and make them play scared to lose, as described above, which is what many fans ascribe Hodgson's tactics to. Others think he is just that way. Either way, his nervousness in front of the media is not the chin out attitude Liverpool is known for.
BTW, having lived in Boston for several years, I can say that many, of at least the old, Red Sox fans might be dropped into the KOP with a scarf instead of a cap, some new lyrics, warmer beer, and no one would know the difference. You can't find two more stubborn, mad, loyal and sentimental groups of fans in my eyes. Hope the boss fits in that well.
