The future of the Portuguese is under fresh scrutiny following the Blues's first-ever Premier League defeat by Albion.
Under pressure: Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas looks on as his side loses to Hodgson's West Brom
Hodgson, who suffered months of torment and abuse before being sacked by Liverpool last season, said: 'If he is to be successful, he will need time to stamp his authority on the team. I fully believe, given time, he will be successful.'
Hodgson, delighted to be in charge of an Albion team who clinched a first league win over Chelsea in 33 years, added: 'It has not started as well as he would have liked but to build a team takes time. There is no magic wand.
'The fact is he has been a successful manager at Porto, who play some good football, and, of course, I sympathise with what he is going through. But it is times like this that make you stronger.
'And the day when we managers don't stand up for each other would be a sad day for the profession. It is up to us to identify with the problems we all face.'
Centre-back Gareth McAuley's second goal for the club clinched victory and boosts the Albion's hopes of finishing the top team in the West Midlands for the first time in 33 years.
'I think we can be proud of a good performance from start to finish against a well organised, well drilled Chelsea team who came here to try to win,' said Hodgson.
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Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail