Jordan Henderson hopes former manager Jurgen Klopp can enjoy a “fairytale” ending at Liverpool.
The German announced his plan to leave the Reds at the end of the season at the start of 2024, bringing to an end a successful nine-year stint.
Henderson, who left Anfield in the summer for a controversial move to Saudi Arabia, was a massive part of Klopp’s success at Anfield, winning eight trophies, including the Champions League and Premier League.
Klopp’s farewell tour has already seen Liverpool win silverware as they lifted the Carabao Cup last month and they are still gunning for the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup.
And 33-year-old Henderson, who was speaking ahead of Ajax’s Europa Conference League game with Ajax in Amsterdam on Thursday, wants Klopp to enjoy the perfect send off.
“Jurgen has had an amazing time at Liverpool, everything we achieved was because of him,” he said. “He achieved everything when he came in and I just hope the end of the story is a fairytale for him and the boys because they all deserve it.
“They all work so hard, last season was so tough on many different aspects on and off the field so for this season to be going as well as it has, I’m so proud of them.
“I was a captain for a long time there. All of the team still feel like my brothers really.
“To watch them do so well, I’m so proud of how they’re doing and I really want to see them end the season the way they have been playing the whole year.
“Let’s hope they can end the season on a high and win as many trophies as possible.”
Henderson had his own emotional exit from Anfield in the summer, leaving after 12 seasons for a highly criticised move to Saudi Arabia.
His stay in the Middle East was short-lived as he returned to Europe with a move to Ajax in the January transfer window.
But the midfielder, who would certainly have been given game-time owing to Liverpool’s injury crisis, has no regrets.
“Looking back I think it was the right time for me as a player but also for them as a team and for them as a club, as much as that hurt at the time,” he said.
“I was very emotional. Looking back at that period of time now, it is easy to see that it was the right decision made by the manager and the club.
“It was the best decision to freshen things up.”
Henderson’s move to Ajax could keep his hopes of making England’s Euro 2024 squad in tact.
Boss Gareth Southgate watched Henderson’s debut and remains in regular contact but has not given any assurances he will be in the squad for this month’s friendlies with Brazil and Belgium or beyond.
“It was really nice for Gareth to come over and watch the game, it was my debut against a good side,” Henderson said.
“It was good for him to come and watch to see that he’s keeping an eye on me.
“I definitely feel I can offer something to the national team, but I have got to be playing and doing my job here, that is my main focus.
“But of course I feel I can help the squad and the team going forward in the next camp and hopefully in the summer.
“But I have just got to continue to play well here and stay fit and hopefully I will get the opportunity to do that because playing for my country is a huge thing and always has been.”
Hojlund form gives Man Utd 'luxury problem' for FA Cup final, says Ten Hag
Rasmus Hojlund's return to form presents a "luxury problem" for Manchester United ahead of this weekend's FA Cup final against Manchester City, says Erik ten Hag.
Hojlund came off the bench to score United's second goal as they rounded off their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, having also netted in last week's 3-2 victory over Newcastle United.
He finished his debut Premier League season with 10 goals, becoming the youngest player to reach double figures in 2023-24 (21 years, 105 days old as of Sunday).
Hojlund has battled injury problems and dips in form throughout the campaign, and in his absence, Ten Hag has often opted to deploy Bruno Fernandes as a false nine.
The Portugal international started United's last two matches in that position, and Ten Hag says he has plenty to think about as he prepares to name his cup final lineup.
"It is not a dilemma, it is a luxury problem," Ten Hag said.
"I think both formations can be a success because, as you know, we can play with the set-up from the Etihad, where we were a threat with Bruno's movement in behind.
"With Rasmus Hojlund in behind and in form, it is absolutely something we have to consider.
"Let's have a thought, but let's not say we only need 11 players. In a tough final, you need a bench as well."
Hojlund failed to score in his first 15 Premier League matches before ending his drought against Aston Villa on Boxing Day, though he did score five times in United's unsuccessful Champions League campaign before Christmas.
He has 16 goals across all competitions this term, which Ten Hag sees as a good effort when taking his fitness problems into account.
"It could always be better, but don't forget he had three injuries this season," Ten Hag said.
"He came in with an injury and missed the start, then he got injured before winter, and then got another injury after winter.
"Every time that has broken his rhythm. If you score 16 goals for a first season, it is okay, and remember it is also not over. We have the final too."
Onana willing to take Man Utd criticism 'bullets'
Andre Onana says he is willing to take criticism "bullets" after a poor Premier League campaign for Manchester United.
The Red Devils recorded their lowest-ever finish in eighth place, with the manager and players coming under scrutiny for some of their performances.
One of those singled out was Onana, who joined United from Inter at the start of the season, after an error-strewn start to his life at the club.
Asked how he deals with the criticism coming from fans, pundits, and former players, Onana said it does not bother him.
"For me, I don't pay attention to it. I have come into this team to take bullets because we are under construction – at the moment, we are not the best," he told the Overlap.
"We have other teams who are doing better than us, and we have to be honest and recognise that. If things and when things are going wrong, don't go for the youngest player – I'm here to take it, Bruno [Fernandes], Casemiro and Harry [Maguire] are there, and we are used to it.
"When it's people who were sitting where I'm sitting, who won everything, sometimes it's bizarre – we are in the same boat. We try to follow your thing and what you did. For me, I don't mind, but other people may be affected. For me, to be honest, it's just a part of the game."
United conceded 84 goals in all competitions this season, their worst-ever tally in a single campaign.
Erik ten Hag’s side also missed out on a European place due to their league finish but have another opportunity to get one if they beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Onana is optimistic though as he views the season as a learning curve.
"I'm happy because we have good people around us, especially at this club, who helped me so much," he added.
"That's why I'm still smiling - because the first six months were difficult, but at the same time, it was a good moment to learn.
"After playing the final of the Champions League and the final of the Europa League, you think you are the best – life gives you an opportunity to learn and says, 'You are never too big'.
"You can have a good season, next year you have a bad season, but the year after an amazing season. The ups and downs and being here, you have to deal with them – especially being a goalkeeper."
Liverpool confirm Slot as Klopp's replacement
Liverpool have confirmed Arne Slot will succeed Jurgen Klopp as their new head coach.
Klopp's glorious nine-year spell with the Reds came to an end on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Wolves, after which the German sang Slot's name to the Anfield crowd.
Slot had previously confirmed he would be taking over, and Liverpool have now formally announced the news.
The Dutchman will officially take charge from June 1, subject to receiving a work permit.
Slot leaves the Netherlands after three highly successful seasons with Feyenoord, during which he led them to the league title in 2023 and was named Eredivisie Manager of the Year on two occasions.
More recently, he led the Rotterdam giants to KNVB Cup glory in April, overseeing a 1-0 win over NEC Nijmegen in the final of that competition.
Feyenoord rounded off their Eredivisie campaign with a 4-0 victory over neighbours Excelsior on Sunday, as they finished second, seven points adrift of runaway champions PSV.
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