Hodgson reveals Gerrard talks

Roy Hodgson has revealed his delight at the content of his talks with Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher - and the new boss is confident of a similar outcome when he meets with Fernando Torres after the World Cup.
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Just hours after being confirmed as Liverpool manager last Thursday, Hodgson met with Gerrard and Carragher - and later Academy Ambassador Kenny Dalglish - in his new office at Melwood.

And the tactician was left thrilled with the positive nature of the conversations.

"I think they went splendidly," Hodgson told LFC Weekly. "I was very happy to meet the players and, of course, Kenny who I already know so well.

"I was delighted to see how positive they are. Everybody is looking forward to the new season."

He added: "Obviously Steven and Jamie are the playing heartbeat of the club and it's very important we keep people like that with us.

"I anticipate there might be a situation where other big clubs will try and sign Steven, but he gave no indication that he wanted to leave.

"Nobody at the club wants him to go so I will be doing my utmost to make sure he stays. I am confident he will."

One player Hodgson has yet to meet is Torres due to the striker's World Cup commitments.

However, the Spain star announced over the weekend he was pleased with the appointment of the 62-year-old and eager to hear the new gaffer's plans for 2010-11 - and Hodgson admits the feeling is mutual.

"Fernando is a wonderful striker and I understand the fans' concerns about his future," he said.

"Unfortunately with the World Cup still on, I won't be able to meet him face to face for another few weeks. That's just circumstance and you won't hear me complaining about it.

"When I do meet him, I will be doing everything I possibly can to convince him that Liverpool is the place to be.

"If he sees progress, I am confident that he won't want to go anywhere else. I think he understands the club and the city."

Meanwhile, the manager is planning a new role for Dalglish under his Anfield reign.

Hodgson believes the Kop legend has a significant role to play in strengthening communication between the Academy and Melwood as the Reds look to develop new talent.

He explained: "I never doubted that Kenny would leave. He's been offered a role, which I believe is a crucial role for the club - not just in the short term, but in the long term.

"The club will benefit from Kenny's work long after I've left Liverpool and long after he's left as well.

"He is very aware of all the players at the Academy and I understand there are a few promising players emerging.

"He will liaise between Melwood and Kirkby and keep me updated with any developments that he deems necessary.

"There is a bridge between the Academy and the first team that needs to be created and I believe he can help build that bridge."