Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson on Philippe Coutinho
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Jordan Henderson will try to persuade Philippe Coutinho to turn his back on Barcelona because every Liverpool player “wants him to stay”.
Liverpool will have to play their crucial Champions League showdown with Hoffenheim in the play-off for Europe’s biggest prize without the injured Brazilian, who has submitted a transfer request.
But Henderson says that won’t affect the Reds tonight or stop the Kop skipper from trying to talk round his teammate.
Henderson said: “It’s a difficult situation for Phil and whatever I say won’t help matters - but we want Phil to stay because he’s a world class player.
“Ask anybody in the team and they want him to stay.
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty)
(Image: Liverpool FC)
“As players, when windows are open, things like this happen. Players come and go. You’ve got to except things like this and focus on what’s important.
“I don’t think I can influence the situation if I’m totally honest with you. That’s down to Phil and the club.
“But at the same time I’m good friends with Phil and I have a lot of respect for him. Of course I’m going to talk to him but those conversations will remain private.”
(Image: Liverpool FC)
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
Henderson is far more concerned by what is a daunting straight knock out with a tough Hoffenheim side for a place in the Champions League proper.
And he insisted nothing will knock his team-mates out of their stride, not even Barcelona’s pursuit of their best player.
“The focus won’t be affected at all, I can tell you that now. The most important thing is tomorrow,” he bluntly stated.
“For us the biggest focus is Hoffenheim. We’ll stay together and make sure we take a good result back.
“I feel as though we’ve got a great group of players. It’s a great opportunity for us and one we look forward to - we’ve got to take the opportunity.”
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