Jordan Henderson: We've got a platform, now let's build on it
Jordan Henderson wants Liverpool to replicate last season by building on a solid foundation throughout the winter months.
The Reds have arrived in December well placed both domestically and in Europe after navigating their way through a condensed autumn schedule despite suffering numerous injuries.
And Henderson has urged Jürgen Klopp’s squad to push on in a similar manner to 12 months ago, when they successfully juggled commitments in the Premier League, Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.
In his notes for tonight’s official matchday programme, the captain writes: “Now that we have given ourselves a platform, we have to build on it. At this stage of last season we were in a similar position and we went on to make it count. That’s the challenge again this time around.
“It’s one thing having a decent autumn, but only if you push on through winter - when the games come thicker and faster than ever - do you have a chance of making the most of spring.
“A lot has been said about the schedule and, without wanting to reopen the debate, it’s fair to say that this season’s is tougher than ever. But it is what it is and our job as players is to try to clear every obstacle that is placed in our way.
“No-one is going to do us any favours and we’re not looking for any, so the best thing that we can do is stick to our mantra of taking one game at a time and being as competitive as we can be no matter who our opponents might be.
“That won’t be easy tonight. Ajax are a top side and with their history and heritage they will relish coming to Anfield, especially with there being so much still to play for in a group that is every bit as tough as I’d expected it to be.
“People will look at the fact that we won in Amsterdam and make us favourites but, as Atalanta showed last week, football is rarely that straightforward. I know from my own experience at Liverpool that whenever we lose a game we want to put that right by showing what we’re capable of. I have no doubt whatsoever that Ajax will approach this game with exactly the same mindset.
“There’s a banner that gets displayed on the Kop sometimes and I love it because of its simplicity. It just says ‘Liverpool FC: European Royalty’ and is one of many things that makes me incredibly proud to captain this club.
“One of the reasons for that pride is because that statement puts us alongside clubs like Ajax who have made such a contribution to football in Europe over the years. They have our admiration and our respect and I hope that tonight’s game lives up to the best standards of both clubs.”
