Jurgen Klopp has reacted to Roy Hodgson’s shock appointment as the new interim manager at Bristol City, with the ex-Liverpool and England boss taking over until the end of the season
Roy Hodgson is back in management aged 78(Image: Getty Images)
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has sent a classy message to Roy Hodgson after the 78-year-old was appointed as the new interim manager at Championship side Bristol City.
Hodgson has signed a contract at Ashton Gate until the end of the season after the Robins sacked Gerhard Struber following a dismal run of form that has seen them win just one of their last nine matches. After an impressive start to the season, the Robins were eyeing up a potential second successive play-off finish, but having struggled in recent months, they sit 16th and 12 points off the relegation zone with seven matches to go.
While the Robins are all-but safe and a mammoth 350/1 to go down via bet365, the Somerset club have opted to make a change with Struber dismissed and Hodgson coming in for his first managerial role in more than two years. And after his appointment, Klopp – who went up against Hodgson on a number of occasions during his time at Liverpool – sent a heartfelt message to him and wished him well in the South West.
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“Is it true that Roy Hodgson is the new manager of Bristol City? And he turns 79 in August? Roy. I asked you last time if your flat is wet or whatever, but it’s really crazy. Good luck,” Klopp told BBC Sport.
The ex-Anfield chief had clearly done his research, adding: “But they are 12 points ahead of the relegation zone, right? Then it’s not the most difficult job at least, Roy! Enjoy, in Bristol, the good times. For some it’s forever, let me say it like that.”
Ex-Liverpool and England boss Hodgson was last in the dugout during his second spell at Crystal Palace before he left in February 2024. He had returned to Selhurst Park in March 2023 to help keep Palace in the Premier League after Patrick Viera had put them in a vulnerable position.
Roy Hodgson during his time at Crystal Palace(Image: PA)
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Hodgson maintained Palace’s top-flight status and ensured a modest start to the following season before the Eagles decided to make a change and replaced him with Oliver Glasner. Now, Hodgson is back in management with his 24th job at Bristol City and he is excited at the task at hand.
“I have had great conversations with the board and I am really excited by the opportunity to help until the end of the season,” he said. “We will get straight to work and look for a positive performance on Good Friday.”
His first game as the new interim manager at Bristol City is set to be against Charlton Athletic on Friday, April 3. He is then due to welcome Sheffield United to Ashton Gate.
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