Jordan Henderson admitted it was almost impossible to see beyond the pain of Champions League final defeat, which came in the cruellest possible manner.
Yet after a season where Liverpool came so agonisingly close to an historic quadruple, the skipper insisted that when the heartbreak of a Real Madrid smash-and-grab on the trophy had subsided, his side would be back for more. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp told the club’s supporters to book their hotels for the Champions League final in Istanbul next season, such is his faith in the team responding.
And Henderson agreed: “To be fair the manager in these situations is really good and he can see the bigger picture. He is so good in these moments. As players it's really difficult. It will take a little bit of time for us, it’s so hard to assess so close to a devastating defeat.
“But I have no doubt we will use it in the right way and use it to be better and stronger. From experiences in life – and this team has been through tough ones – we have always reacted in the right way and I am sure we will do it again.”
Liverpool dominated the final against Madrid, with 24 shots to four for their opponents, but came up against an inspired opponent in Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made six outstanding saves. It means after a season where they played every single game possible in pursuit of a never-done-before quadruple of the four biggest trophies available to English clubs, they were denied in their last two games.
And Henderson believes, when the pain has subsided and the players have a chance to really reflect, they will understand their season - with two major cup wins - has been one of success, and not failure.
“It's hard to analyse it now and take everything in, but I hope when we are on holiday and having a break we realise that this season has been special,” he said. “I don't know when the last time went to a final or the last game in every single competition. It shows the mentality and talent of the squad. We couldn't give any more and football is down to fine margins.
“The 'keeper got man of the match and we just couldn't find that goal and got done on the counter-attack. We have to deal with it in the best way we can and use it as motivation and a tool to come back next season and go again.”
Henderson too, believes that missing out on the Premier League only in the final minutes of the final day, and then devastating defeat in the Champions League final will only strengthen the mentality at Anfield.
“We've had this feeling before and reacted in the right way. Hopefully we can do the same again, I'm sure we will. The mentality and character within the dressing room is outstanding and yes, we will be disappointed, and it's hard because we have such a long time to think about it now. We have to deal with that and use it in the right way and use it to go forward and be stronger and better next season.”
