Jordan Henderson has revealed what Jurgen Klopp told the Liverpool squad in the dressing room after last season’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.
Having already won both the League Cup and FA Cup, the Reds were on the verge of an unprecedented quadruple last year, only to miss out on the Premier League title in agonising fashion to Man City on the last day of the season before Vinicius Junior’s solitary strike in Paris confined them to a second European Cup final defeat at the hands of Real Madrid in five seasons.
Following such setbacks, Liverpool have ultimately struggled to get going this season during what has been an injury-plagued start to the campaign. Henderson made his own Reds comeback in their latest outing as Klopp ’s side fought out a 3-3 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, having both trailed 2-0 and led 3-2 at Anfield.
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The result leaves Liverpool ninth in the table, 11 points behind league-leaders Arsenal and 10 points behind reigning champions Man City, who they face in their next two Premier League outings.
And when reflecting on last season’s disappointment, Henderson refused to make excuses for the Reds’ start to the current season.
“Obviously everyone was disappointed but the gaffer said how proud he was of every one and what we achieved that season,” the Liverpool captain told the ECHO. “To get into the final of the Champions League, to win the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup and to take the Premier League to the last day of the season was a huge achievement in itself.
“Of course it was disappointing to not win the Champions League but overall we were really proud of what we had achieved in that season.
“I think there’s numerous things that have led to our start this year. Obviously injuries haven’t helped but I don’t want to make excuses.
“It hasn’t been the start that we would have hoped for but there is still a long way to go and hopefully, now after the international break, we can really kickstart our season."
Henderson has won enjoy major honour on offer at club level since joining Liverpool in the summer of 2011, and captained the Reds to their first ever Premier League title back in 2020. An undisputed club legend as a result, the England international has made history at Anfield since Klopp took over as manager back in 2015.
Yet when asked who is the best player he has ever played alongside at Anfield, the 32-year-old initially struggled to pick before settling for two players before the Klopp era.
“I have played with a lot of great players, it’s so hard to pick a single great player from the countless I have played with,” he said. “Looking back across my whole career I would say that I would have to say Luis Suarez or Steven Gerrard. Both were absolutely sublime players and it would be so hard to pick just one.”
Speaking to the ECHO at a McDonald's Fun Football session, Henderson also encouraged parents to send their children to some of the free sessions across Merseyside when speaking passionately about promoting inclusivity in sport.
“It is super important. I am a firm believer in football being for everyone, no matter their ability or gender,” he said. “As a parent I understand how taking your kids to football for the first time can be intimidating or off-putting.
“The great thing about Fun Football is the sessions are designed to ensure every level is catered for and accepted. It takes a step back from the competitive environment of football and puts enjoyment at the heart of every session, which is so important.
“Fun Football is the perfect environment for any child looking to take their first steps in football and I would encourage parents up and down the country to take advantage of the free session.”
Jordan Henderson was speaking to the ECHO at a McDonald's Fun Football session at Goals Liverpool South in Speke.
With sessions taking place at Prescot Soccer Centre later this month, as well as being put on at Goals Liverpool South and South Wirral High School, sign up to any future sessions by visiting www.mcdonalds.co.uk/football .
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