Jordan Henderson has sent Manchester City a message as Liverpool plan to ‘kickstart’ their season, while he has also revealed the two best players he has featured alongside at Anfield.
Liverpool drew 3-3 with Brighton at the weekend to reach 10 points in the Premier League. It leaves them in ninth spot and 11 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are also 10 points behind Manchester City, whom they challenged for the league title last term.
Liverpool have had a frustrating start, drawing to Fulham and Crystal Palace, in addition to Brighton, as well as losing to Manchester United.
Part of this is down to injuries. Klopp has had to select weakened teams due to the likes of Henderson, Thiago and Joel Matip spending time in the treatment room.
However, it could be argued Liverpool are also suffering from a hangover after the events of the 2021-22 campaign.
They went hell for leather to try and catch City in the second half of last season. Plus, the Reds won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup and reached the final of the Champions League.
Klopp’s men have looked tired in some games this season, something which isn’t being helped by regular injuries.
Jordan Henderson urges Liverpool forward
However, Henderson and Liverpool are plotting a return to form between now and the World Cup. During an interview with the Liverpool Echo, the midfielder spoke about the disappointment of last season and said his team will look to ‘kickstart’ their current campaign over the next few weeks. This will serve as a warning to City, who are likely to be the title frontrunners once again.
“Obviously everyone was disappointed but the gaffer said how proud he was of every one and what we achieved that season,” Henderson revealed.
“To get into the final of the Champions League, to win the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup and to take the Premier League to the last day of the season was a huge achievement in itself.
“Of course it was disappointing to not win the Champions League. But overall we were really proud of what we had achieved in that season.
“I think there’s numerous things that have led to our start this year. Obviously injuries haven’t helped but I don’t want to make excuses.
“It hasn’t been the start that we would have hoped for. But there is still a long way to go and hopefully, now after the international break, we can really kickstart our season.”
Midfielder quizzed on best Liverpool team-mates
Henderson was then asked to name the best player he has ever worked alongside at Anfield. The Englishman replied: “I have played with a lot of great players. It’s so hard to pick a single great player from the countless I have played with.
“Looking back across my whole career I would say that I would have to say Luis Suarez or Steven Gerrard. Both were absolutely sublime players and it would be so hard to pick just one.”
Henderson will be hoping Liverpool can pick up some great results over the next few weeks. They come up against Rangers in the Champions League tonight (Tuesday), before playing Arsenal at the weekend.
It will be tough for Liverpool to catch City given how quickly Pep Guardiola’s men have got out of the blocks. However, Liverpool showed last season just how good they can be when there is a target to match.
