"It took a while until I understood he wanted to prove a point" - Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp sheds light on 32-year-old star's early insecurity in the player's upcoming documentary
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed tidbits on the club's 32-year-old skipper Jordan Henderson's early insecure days in a documentary titled 'Henderson is Never Done'. The German manager said that the success he has tasted as the Reds' manager owes a lot to the role Henderson has played as the skipper of the team.
A unique perspective on @jhenderson’s story from Sunderland to winning it all with the Reds, told by those closest to him. ❤️
Jordan Henderson is 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐞, presented by @nikefootball
The England international arrived at Anfield in 2011 from Sunderland for an undisclosed fee. Since then, the English midfielder has been a constant figure in the team and was given the captain's armband in 2015, after club legend Steven Gerrard left the club for the MLS.
Henderson was injured when Jurgen Klopp arrived in 2015 from Borussia Dortmund as the club's new full-time manager and missed the opening few games that season. Klopp said that his initial interaction with Henderson made him believe that the Englishman was willing to 'prove a point' under him as the club's new manager.
Speaking about Henderson in a documentary released by Liverpool's official media, Klopp said via their YouTube Channel:
“When I arrived here Hendo was injured, he didn’t know me really well, it’s the same situation, he knew me from the television. He had no idea how I am, who I am, stuff like this and he was injured. That’s not a good situation for a player when a new manager is coming in and you are injured.''
“So, I remember when he asked if he could come with us to the game, I’ve forgotten which game it was, an away game, even when he cannot play but wanting to be in the dressing room. I thought, ‘yeah you can but do you not have anything more serious to do like rehab or whatever?’
“It took a while until I understood that he wanted to prove a point, he never had to but that’s like a little bit of insecurity probably, that’s obviously different (now) with his maturity and he obviously grew up since we worked together.''
Klopp also mentioned how important Henderson has been to the club's success in the recent past. He added:
“Nothing that we have achieved in the past few years would have happened without him, that’s easy to say.''
In 448 matches, Henderson has scored 33 goals while making 58 assists for the club.
Jürgen Klopp on Jordan Henderson:
“None of the things that have happened over the last few years would’ve happened without him.” https://t.co/S8jRrapTAa
AS Monaco complete Takumi Minamino's signing from Liverpool in a deal worth £18 million
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has informed that Liverpool have sold Japanese midfielder Takumi Minamino to AS Monaco in a deal worth £18 million on Saturday. Minamino was a fixture for the Premier League club in their EFL Cup and FA Cup ties last season.
#transfers
Takumi Minamino deal, completed. He’s joining AS Monaco, permanent move from Liverpool now confirmed by Philippe Clement: “We’re really happy, he was our priority”. 🔴🇯🇵 #transfers
Liverpool will receive €15m plus €3m in add-ons. https://t.co/7dOfbydQFr
Liverpool were expecting offers from other European clubs for the Japanese national after a successful last season but it was Monaco who won the race for the player's signature. Monaco manager Philippe Clement expressed his happiness after signing his priority target ahead of the new season.
Clement said via 90Min:
"I'm very happy, I've known him for a long time. He was very high on our list. Everyone here is convinced that he has the qualities to bring something to the team.''
Minamino played 53 times for Liverpool, scoring 14 times and making three assists.