Roy Hodgson has revealed midfielder Christian Poulsen is “devastated” by his poor start to his Liverpool career.
Poulsen has struggled to make an impact at Anfield following his summer switch from Juventus, and he was booed when he came on as a substitute during the midweek draw with Wigan.
And Reds boss Hodgson admits the 30-year-old Denmark international is yet to find his top form, saying: “Unfortunately I can’t do anything about the fans, but he’s had one or two games in front of our crowd where he’s not played well, he knows he’s not.
“He’s devastated by that and the crowd, who aren’t stupid, know he’s not played well, it’s a fact of life.
“But he’s got quality, he’s a good defensive midfield player. He’s not that bad on the ball, but let’s not beat about the bush and try to disguise the fact, he’s had a bas start.
“When I took him off at half-time in one game he was devastated – not just because I’d made the decision but because he knows he was nowhere near the level he can play.
“He knows having played in Italy, for Juventus, when you play well the crowd sing your name and when you’re not playing well they boo you. He knows that.
“But I have every faith in him. We will get a lot of good used out of him over the year but he know it will be tough to win the fans over.”