Liverpool still need time to adapt to Hodgson, says Skrtel

Martin Skrtel insists Liverpool still need time to adapt to new manager Roy Hodgson and is confident the Reds can bounce back from a difficult start to the season.

The Anfield club have picked up just six points from their opening six Premier League games but the 25-year-old defender has called for patience as players and coaches alike get to grips with Hodgson’s regime.

“A lot of people think that when a new manager comes in everything should be perfect but we need time,” said Skrtel.

“Our aim is to fight for a place in the top four. That won’t be easy as there are a lot of good teams also going for it, but if we continue to improve as the season goes on, we can get back into the Champions League – that’s our aim.

“A lot of things have changed here. We have a new manager, new players, new medical staff and some different people around the team. It’s always going to be difficult when you change so much.”

Meanwhile, Pepe Reina says he is gradually adapting to working under Liverpool’s new boss and believes it could take up to six months for the Merseyside club to fulfil their potential under the former Fulham manager.

“When you have so many changes moving in a new direction under a new boss, things don’t happen instantly,” said Reina.

“It can take between three and six months before you see improvements. Obviously the quicker we adapt and improve as a team the better it will be for everyone.

“That doesn’t just happen overnight. Each of us has to adjust to working in a new way.

“With the passing of each day I get used to it and what the manager wants. It’s the same for all of us. We need to be patient.”