Jurgen Klopp has dispelled any questions about the future of Jordan Henderson by insisting: “If I had any doubt, he wouldn’t be here.”
The Liverpool skipper endured a miserable season of injury last year, which threw his Anfield career under a harsh spotlight.
Amid claims of Spurs interest, there were strong suggestions that Reds boss Klopp was not impressed with his form and fitness, and may be prepared to sell him.
That tallied with fan unrest and criticism but last night the German dismissed speculation by flatly denying Henderson was on the way out.
“I see him every day in training so if I was doubting him he would not be here,” said Klopp emphatically.
“I like this player and he is very important for this club. There is absolutely no doubt.”
Henderson didn’t feature strongly in pre-season and was often relegated to the substitutes bench as he returned to match fitness.
Klopp is an admirer of Emre Can – currently sidelined with a minor ankle problem – in a holding role. And with £25million signing Georginio Wijnaldum slotting into the forward midfield position alongside Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho, Henderson’s first-team place looks under threat.
The manager though, is adamant he has a big future at the club. He insisted now that the England midfielder is over the foot problems that blighted last season, he will be a key player… and defy the critics.
“A Liverpool player that is at the club with not so much success in recent years is always doubted a little bit,” Klopp added. “They always have to show they are not the reason we have not made the next step. Of course that is not the reason. He is a wonderful skilled player and his attitude is outstanding.
“There are more reasons for not being successful and it keeps these players always trying to convince everyone.
“Stay cool, try to play football it is not that difficult. Not only for Jordan but for other players.”
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