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Dalglish to repair damaged duo

Image: Koncheskey: Terrace target

Kenny Dalglish hopes to rebuild confidence at Liverpool, starting with Christian Poulsen and Paul Konchesky.

Reds boss keen to bring the best out of underperforming stars

Kenny Dalglish hopes to rebuild confidence at Liverpool, starting with Christian Poulsen and Paul Konchesky. A 2-2 draw with Merseyside rivals Everton on Sunday offered signs of encouragement for the Reds, with Dalglish's arrival providing a much-needed spark. There is, however, still much work to be done if a bitterly disappointing campaign is to be rescued. A torrid first half to the season, under the guidance of Roy Hodgson, has left Liverpool languishing in the bottom half of the table and low on morale. Among those to have suffered most from the slow start are summer signings Poulsen and Konchesky, who have bore the brunt of supporter frustration. Dalglish recognises the importance of restoring belief to those members of his squad currently at a low ebb and insists those who have struggled so far will be given further opportunities to prove their worth. "We've got a couple of senior players who the supporters haven't exactly seen eye to eye with," said the Scot.

Deeper

"We've got to try to rebuild them. If we can get Christian Poulsen and Paul Konchesky back on side then that makes the squad that bit deeper. "Christian played very well at Blackpool and Paul will get an opportunity as well." Dalglish's return to the Anfield hot-seat, almost 20 years since his previous reign came to an end, has seen Liverpool adopt a new approach. There has also been tactical tinkering, with Glen Johnson switched from his favoured spot on the right to a role at left-back. Dalglish admits the England international may not be a long-term solution in that position, but feels it is important to field his strongest possible side at the moment. He added: "We want our best players on the pitch. "I don't know if he's the best option but he's an option."

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