Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he had to plead with Jordan Henderson to take some holiday time this summer.
Reds captain Henderson played a key role in England’s superb run to the World Cup semi-final this summer, and it seems he wanted to return to training with his club instead of taking some vacation time after his exploits with his Country in Russia.
“It was a hard fight to convince Hendo that he needed a holiday. I knew it would happen,” Klopp told the Mirror.
“On the phone I said ‘crazy’. Jordan needs a holiday so that means August 5 he will be back.
“Hendo believes 100 per cent in training. He feels like he needs training every day, a bit like Millie (James Milner).
“They are old fashioned professionals which I like. Sometimes the manager has to say, “Stop! Make a break!
“They shouldn’t be worried about anything like that (losing their place) because we’ll need them all.”
It is easy to see why Henderson in particular is keen to return to training as quickly as possible, with Liverpool having already signed Naby Keita and Fabinho this summer. Both men are capable of playing in Henderson’s defensive midfielder role, and both have already started pre-season training with the club, after missing the World Cup.