Close friends of Roy Hodgson have identified a change in personality from the Liverpool manager.

Many of his influential players are struggling to adapt to his training methods and want Hodgson to be more attack minded to satisfy supporters.

Hodgson has other changes in mind, but fears a backlash from supporters if he drops some of Liverpool's influential stars.

A close friend told the News of the World: "We're worried about Roy, he's not the same person.

"Last year he thrived as the underdog, but he doesn't like criticism and doesn't enjoy people questioning his methods.

"It's too early to say he regrets taking the job, but it's dawning on him just how big it is. He's not a quitter, he's carry on."