Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson admits summer signing Christian Poulsen is struggling to cope in front of his own fans.
A roar of approval rang round Anfield when Poulsen made way for Milan Jovanovic against Blackpool last month, while his 73rd-minute appearance in place of Dirk Kuyt at Wigan on Wednesday was greeted by boos and chants of "attack, attack".
"There have been one or two games, in front of our own fans, where he has not played well, and unfortunately you cannot stop that sort of response," said the Liverpool manager. "He knows he hasn't played to his normal level, and he is devastated by it. The crowd aren't stupid. They can see for themselves.
"All he can do is keep working hard and, when he gets his chance to try and show what he's capable of, make sure he takes it. It will be tough getting the fans on his side. He is a good defensive midfield player and is also not bad on the ball, but he has made a bad start here."
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