Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has warned his side that they could be drawn into a relegation battle unless they turn around a dismal start to the new Premier League season.

A shock 2-1 loss at home to Blackpool left the Reds in the bottom three, having won only once in their seven league games so far this term.

Hodgson admitted:"It is a very bad day and there is nothing I can say.

"At the moment things look bleak and really bad and it is difficult for me to put a bright face upon it.

"There are 31 games left, but when you are in the relegation zone you are in a relegation battle.

"But I really don't think my concerns are with relegation, my concerns are that we are not playing to our full potential. I am not going to think too much about relegation with 31 games to go.

"I am the one responsible because I am the team manager. When the team does badly then the criticism is going to fall my way and I have to accept it."

Meanwhile, Hodgson's woes could be deepened by star striker Fernando Torres, who limped off against the Seasiders with a groin problem.

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"It is a groin strain, I don't know how severe," Hodgson added.

"It came as a surprise to us, we had no awareness there were any problems in the groin area."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email