Jurgen Klopp takes side with Henderson’s narrative on why he left Liverpool
By Daily Tab24. Updated: Sep 15, 2023.
Jordan Henderson came under criticism for his interview with The Athletic regarding his departure from Liverpool. He openly confessed that he wasn’t wanted in Liverpool, and it was what prompted his transfer to Saudi pro-league after his transfer was reported in some quarters to have been motivated by money.
Saudi League has taken the transfer market by storm since after signing Cristiano Ronaldo, with outrageous wages and bids flying in from different angles. Saudi spending came under scrutiny after players were hugely attracted, causing an upset in Europe.
Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that his influence was behind the positive reception Saudi clubs had had in Europe and elsewhere. But critics are adamant, saying that money was hugely behind the decision for players to play in Saudi.
Henderson moved to Saudi Arabia from Liverpool despite his campaign for the LGBT community. When the bid came, it was initially believed he would turn down the opportunity to go to Saudi because of the country’s opposition to LGBT rights. The move later happened to the disappointment of many.
In defense of himself, he said to The Athletic that his move to Saudi Arabia was forced on him, after he was told he wasn’t wanted anymore by Liverpool. His position raised dust within the media, with pundits criticizing his interview.
But in defense of Henderson, Liverpool’s coach, Jurgen Klopp has clarified what happened, while stating Jordan Henderson was right, he detailed that Henderson said the truth on the basis that he was told his playing time would be limited due to the midfield rebuild that was on.
“I read the interview [with The Athletic] and Hendo said the truth in all departments. We had our talks. I told Hendo I wanted him to stay but we had these conversations as well about the possibility of not playing regularly with new players coming in. I cannot have a talk with a player before a season starts and say ‘you’ll play 50 games this season, 100 per cent’. The Liverpool gaffer said during his press conference on tomorrow’s game against Wolves.
“It all depends on performance. If Hendo had performed he would have had maybe 50 games, absolutely possible. But in the specific situation, with the relationship we have, I thought it was important that we speak about everything, including ‘what happens if [you don’t get picked regularly]? He added.
“Hendo is a fantastic player, I’ll love him forever, super guy, but he’s not great when he’s not playing. Millie was like this, Lucas Leiva too. Great guys but in the moment when they see the line up and they’re not in it they turn, Jekyll and Hyde, it’s unbelievable. I had to talk about that. He was my captain for nearly eight years. I didn’t want to wake up one morning and us to lock horns with each other just because he thought he would start. Klopp detailed.
“In Hendo’s ear and mind that came out as ‘okay, he doesn’t want me here’. I understand it 100 per cent but we clarified that” he added and continued.
“He said if I had told him ‘Hendo, stay here, you’ll be the main man in midfield’, he would have stayed, that’s the truth, but I couldn’t say that as much as I wanted him to stay. So that’s why it was better for Hendo to move on. “There’s not a bit of bad blood. He was captain of the most successful team this club saw in the Premier League era. He was and is a sensational player. From my point of view, he gets a real farewell. There’s nothing to misunderstand.” Klopp concluded.
