Klopp Talk: “Hendo Is So Important to Us”

Liverpool’s manager remains consistent in his appreciation of our captain.

Jürgen Klopp has a special kind of problem at Anfield. The majority of his first team squad refused to take a vacation, preferring to come back to train at Melwood as early as possible instead of enjoying their summer. And in typical Hendo fashion, Captain Jordan Henderson wanted to return as soon as possible after Russia too, before Klopp managed to force him to take his three weeks of rest.

Today those three weeks are over, with Jordan Henderson returning to Melwood on Monday morning to prepare for the upcoming season, his fourth year as the captain of Liverpool. With the club’s impressive business this summer transfer window and the additions of Shaqiri, Naby Keïta and Fabinho, there have of course been a few people asking annoying questions about where Hendo would feature this coming season. Thankfully, though, he is as present in Klopp’s plans as ever.

Speaking with James Pearce for the Liverpool Echo, Klopp had this to say about Jordan Henderson:

Hendo is so important to us, not only as a player but also as a person and as a leader. You need these players like Hendo and Millie (James Milner) to help create a special spirit in the squad, otherwise it doesn’t work.

There are no doubts about Hendo. I didn’t need the final proof in and around the World Cup or in last season. He had to learn kind of a new position for him. I still remember the Burnley game (at Turf Moor in August 2016) when we lost 2-0 with 80% possession. Hendo for sure was involved in the first goal with a press ball that he didn’t win. One of the main things I was asked about after the game was: ‘Can he really play as the No 6?’ “I said: ‘Yes, he can and he will.’

He had to learn and he had to improve and that’s exactly what he did. I am completely happy with the choice I have in this squad and Jordan will play a very important role.

And for that, most of us are happy to say, thank you, Jürgen!

Up the Reds!
(and bring on the 12^th of August!!!)

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com