Liverpool fans have slammed Jurgen Klopp’s decision to start Jordan Henderson in the side’s UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg clash with Real Madrid. The two European heavyweights meet at Anfield on Tuesday (February 21) night.
They’re set to battle in a repeat of last season’s final, where Los Blancos came out triumphant with a 1-0 win. The two sides are encountering underwhelming campaigns after a stellar showing in the 2021-22 term.
Liverpool’s only chance of silverware is basically resting on the Champions League but they will have to get past their familiar foes to advance to the quarterfinals. According to some fans, Klopp has already made the wrong decision by selecting Henderson in midfield.
The Reds captain has been constantly hounded out for under-par performances this season. He has featured 26 times across competitions, contributing an assist. Henderson is starting to frustrate the Anfield faithful. A Manchester United supporter was amused seeing him chosen for the encounter against Real Madrid:
“Henderson (dead emoji) you’re having a laugh.”
Another fan reckons the English midfielder is going to struggle against the likes of Real Madrid duo of Luka Modric and Federico Valverde:
“Henderson is going to get bullied.”
One Reds fan even went as far as to say that Henderson was a disgrace of a footballer:
“Henderson in any line-up just f**** your enthusiasm. What a disgrace of a footballer, but we move.”
Meanwhile, Alisson Becker was chosen in goal, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson in defence. Klopp has partnered Henderson with Fabinho and Stefan Bajetic in midfield. The in-form trio of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo will start in attack.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Henderson’s inclusion in Liverpool’s XI for their game with Madrid:
Former Liverpool striker Robbie Keane tips Reds to get past Real Madrid and win Champions League
Keane has predicted Liverpool to enjoy a far better run in the Champions League than they have managed in all other competitions this season. The Reds are out of both domestic cup competitions and sit eighth in the Premier League, trailing surprise leaders Arsenal by 19 points.
However, the Merseysiders are England’s most successful club in Europe’s elite club competition, winning the trophy seven times. Keane says that Klopp’s side’s style suits the European tournament, telling Betway:
“They are not in great form in the Premier League, but I really believe Liverpool have an opportunity to go and win the Champions League. Can they do it while underperforming domestically? Absolutely.”
The Reds will seek revenge over Real Madrid after last season’s heartbreaking final defeat. They also suffered an agonising 3-1 loss in the 2018 Champions League title match against Los Blancos.