Roy Hodgson took Liverpool job at wrong time, says Steven Gerrard who backs him for England role Despite accusations he was not up to the job of matching expectations at Anfield, Gerrard thinks it was a bad time for Hodgson to replace Rafael Benitez, a fans favourite after leading the club to their famous 2005 Champions League triumph. He was very good technically, very thorough, a great guy and very loyal among the players. I think he is a good appointment. I think all the candidates the media were saying were in the running were all good candidates. Like any other England manager Roy will be judged on results so we will see how it goes, but I am certainly looking forward to working with him again. Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher offered his support to Hodgson. "I am pleased for him to get another crack at it," he said. It was difficult what happened to him here at Liverpool but it's another chance for him on a really big stage.