Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson out to prove he is worthy of taking Steven Gerrard’s armband
England international has yet to firmsly establish himself in midfield but will try to repay Jurgen Klopp's faith
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LIVERPOOL skipper Jordan Henderson is out to prov e he deserves the armband vacated by Steven Gerrard.
The England midfielder was given the job under Brendan Rodgers and despite being in and out of the team, kept his place under Jurgen Klopp.
And while Henderson, 26, admits the burden has weighed on him at times, he feels he can rapay the German's faith.
He said: “There were times last season when I was very down because I wasn’t playing and I questioned my contribution as captain because of that.
“There were a lot of things going through my head and though there was never a time when I didn’t want the captaincy, or doubted whether I was the right man for it, there were times when it was hard to feel like the captain because I wasn’t contributing on the pitch.
“I couldn’t help on the pitch as I wanted so Milly [James Milner], as vice-captain, had to take the role. It was a very difficult time.
"I feel as though I’ve come through that now. I’m in a much better place, I feel very confident. I am ready to lead this team and win things."
Henderson also spoke about his relationship with Klopp - and vowed to silence his critics by continuing to develop as a player and leader.
He added: “I feel as though I’ve always had to prove myself. I’ve felt that since I was at a young age.
“It is not just managers, but people in general. I want to prove everyone wrong. Obviously when the new manager comes in and he is one of, if not the best, in the world, you want to impress him.
"It doesn’t really matter who it is, I want to prove people wrong and help the team to win games.
“Last year was up and down. I was playing games when I wasn’t 100 per cent and mentally that isn’t great.
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“I always felt, if I was linked with other clubs, that I had a good relationship with the manager and what he was saying to me was the total opposite to what other people were saying and what people were writing.
"He knew what was going on. I still don’t think he has seen the best of me yet. I have confidence in myself to come back stronger and prove people wrong again.”