Henderson: New boys are ready for Anfield under the lights
Jordan Henderson is relishing the prospect of experiencing the new-look Anfield under the floodlights for the first time tonight – and is in no doubt the squad’s new arrivals are well equipped to rise the occasion amid the raised decibel levels.
Liverpool will welcome Manchester United to Merseyside for a mouth-watering Premier League encounter this evening, and ahead of kick-off the skipper has used his programme notes to express his excitement for the clash.
Nevertheless, Henderson knows the onus is on the Reds to help inspire those in the stands this evening in order to create an atmosphere to remember, rather than the other way around.
He wrote in ‘This is Anfield’: “Tonight is the first time since the new Main Stand has been completed that the floodlights will be on for a night-time kick-off.
“At the time of writing these notes I have no idea if I’ll be selected to start the game or even be in the squad, such is the competition for places at the moment. But I know that for our new lads, experiencing this stadium under the lights for the first time in a Liverpool shirt will feel very, very special.
“None of these boys need ‘preparing’ for it, though. To be honest, from my own experience there isn’t anything that prepares you for Anfield on a big night. But the lads who joined us this summer have already shown they know exactly what it’s all about being at this club, what it means and what’s expected of you.
“There is a ‘kicker’ to all this, though, a reality-check if you like: the atmosphere inspires the opponent as well, and therefore the onus is on whichever 18 of us are lucky enough to be selected on the team-sheet to ensure it’s a night to remember for all the right reasons.
“We know that each and every one of us have to do our jobs; we have to be on it from the first whistle until the last. If we’re not on it, we won’t get the result we want. It’s that simple when you’re playing against a team like United, with players of their quality and experience.
“It didn’t take me long after signing for Liverpool to learn that the big Anfield nights are remembered when the team performs at the same level as the supporters, not the other way around.
“It doesn’t happen automatically and none of us in this squad are under the impression it happens because it’s Anfield and it’s a night game. We have to perform and we have to make it happen.
“Hopefully after the final whistle tonight, we can look at ourselves in the dressing room and say we’ve done the occasion, ourselves and the supporters proud.”
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