Hodgson: Won't Allow My Players To Play Blame Game

Hodgson's set to lose Javier Mascherano Roy Hodgson prepared for his Anfield debut as Liverpool manager on Wednesday and warned his biggest names he will not tolerate any repeat of the blame culture that contributed to last season's failings. The former Fulham boss has presented a smiling face for most of his five weeks in charge so far but made it clear he will not shy away from confronting issues head on, as he savoured stepping out in front of the Kop for the first time tonight. Fernando Torres frequently cut a frustrated figure last season, and finally went public with his view that Liverpool were 'four or five' players short of being a top side, while Steven Gerrard's frustration was also apparent during a run-in that almost cost them a Europa League place. This season, Hodgson will be ready to turn the tables on anyone sulking by bluntly telling them the answer lies with themselves. In a message that had echoes of Rafa Benitez's call for senior players to take more responsibility, midway through last season, Hodgson said: 'I have never made anyremarks about Fernando's motivation and, to be fair, I believe that on Wednesday he was very clear about his motivation to be here. 'I think people on the outside will have more sympathy than I have with players saying they are frustrated at a perceived lack of progress. The reason is obvious enough. As a player you have a chance to change things. 'If you don't think the team are doing as well as they should, then you've got the chance to do something about it. That applies to any player. If you are a big player, then it applies all the more. My advice to them will be to look in the mirror.' New arrival: Denmark's World Cup star Christian Poulsen (right) is on his way to Liverpool in a £5.5m deal which should clear the way for Mascherano to leave With typical modesty, the 62-year-old will shun any fanfares and head straight for his seat on the bench, against Europa League opponents Rabotnicki. 'It's about the guys who pull on the jersey, not me. If the fans can see you are sending out players who are prepared to work their socks off, they will warm to you. I'll settle for that. It will take away any desire to try to milk the occasion.' Torres has not yet been ruled out of Liverpool's Barclays Premier League opener with Arsenal but will play no part tonight. Gerrard is expected to start, while Joe Cole and Milan Jovanovic will make their home debuts. Meanwhile, Hodgson confirmed Christian Poulsen's imminent £5.5million arrival in a move that should clear the way for Javier Mascherano's departure to Inter Milan. Poulsen's agent Joern Bonnesen was discussing personal terms with Anfield officials after Liverpool agreed a fee with Juventus for a player who first made his mark under Hodgson at FC Copenhagen a decade ago. Mascherano is expected to link up again with Benitez at the San Siro, once Inter have raised the necessary funds by selling Mario Balotelli to Manchester City. 'If we receive a big offer, and it is a club Javier wants to go to, it is going to be very difficult keeping him here,' added Hodgson.