Jordan Henderson’s substitution at half time during Liverpool FC’s 2-0 win over Midtjylland was clarified by Jurgen Klopp in his post-game address, with the gaffer easing the club’s fans worries over another injury concern to their star midfielder and skipper.
The 30-year old was taken off the pitch merely as a change in the centre of the park for the hosts, clarified Klopp, who was keen on giving the closing 45 minutes as game time to Gini Wijnaldum.
The Reds had just two central midfielders in the XI that took the field on Tuesday night against their Danish opponents, with James Milner partnering Henderson, as Shaqiri took his place as a playmaker behind the attacking combine of Jota-Origi-Minamino.
Klopp said about Henderson’s withdrawal at half time: “First, Hendo said at half-time he wants to play on. Before the game I’d decided already we have to share it – 45 and 45 – and all the rest would have been ridiculous.
“Hendo said at half-time, ‘No, boss, I can go on’ and then in these moments you have to be strong to yourself because I didn’t want to lose him, actually.
“We made the change, Gini did really well and for both I think it helped that they played only 45.”
Liverpool FC overcame an unlikely tough challenger in the form of Midtjylland yesterday, and despite the hosts fielding a relatively weaker side in the mid-week Champions League game, goals from Jota and Salah ensured all three points in the group stage fixture for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
