Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool press conference: Jordan Henderson’s contract, and not wanting Burnley revenge

Jurgen Klopp has addressed the media ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Burnley at Anfield on Saturday (12.30).

Here are the main talking points from the press conference.

Jordan Henderson’s contract

There was some uncertainty over the Liverpool captain’s future earlier this summer, with his current deal expiring in 2023.

The Reds are growing closer to extending Henderson’s ten-year Anfield stay, however.

And while he’s still to put pen to paper, Klopp - who reportedly wants the England international’s contract to be signed by transfer deadline day on August 31 - remains relaxed over the situation.

When asked if there have been any developments regarding Henderson’s deal this week, Klopp replied: “No, It’s still all good.”

Fabinho absence

The Brazilian is one of five Liverpool players who signed new deals this summer.

Having reached the final of the Copa America with his country, Fabinho reported back for club duty later than most of his team-mates and could only manage a spot on the bench in the 3-0 win at Norwich last week.

The Reds will be without the midfielder against Burnley, but this time it’s because of a family issue.

Klopp said: “It’s a private situation. The club is here for him and he’s doing what he’s able to do.

“We all feel for him and give him and his family our condolences. We try to give him all of the warmth and love at this moment.

“That’s it. The rest is private.”

Double midfield boost

While Liverpool will be without Fabinho, they may have been given a double boost in midfield.

Henderson and Thiago Alcantara missed last Saturday’s trip to Norwich but played in a behind-closed-doors game against Aston Villa the following day. The Reds won 4-1.

Klopp revealed that they could both be involved against Burnley.

He said: “They are much closer, much closer. They look fine and now we have to make a decision.

“They looked really good in a game and really good in a training this week, so, it’s up to me to make some decisions.”

Not out for revenge

It was Burnley who ended Liverpool’s 68-match unbeaten Premier League home record last season.

The Clarets’ 1-0 victory in January handed the Reds their first home loss since April 2017.

It was also the start of a run that saw Klopp’s men lose six matches on the spin on their own patch.

However, the boss is adamant Liverpool will not out for vengeance against Burnley.

Klopp said: “To be honest, I didn’t even think about it. I think back to that game and it was a strange one.

“We lost, Burnley won and it was well deserved. There’s nothing we can do now.

“We will try to win our first home game in front of our crowd for the first time in 520-plus days.

“We want to enjoy that and football is only possible to enjoy when you play positively and go for it.

“There are no guarantees, especially not against Burnley because they can make life really uncomfortable, defend well and have some really good footballers. Sean [Dyche] is doing a brilliant job there.

“That’s what we prepare for, not revenge. We want to have a positive game and play really good.”

Fans returning

Kopites return to Anfield at full capacity for the first time in almost 18 months.

And he insists Liverpool have to “play our part” by entertaining the supporters who will be back in the stands.

“When you are on the Kop, you go there just for football,” said Klopp.

“They’re the ones that have to get on their toes and the whole stadium will follow.

“I can’t wait to feel this connection again. We are really blessed with a good crowd.

“Think back six years when people didn’t enjoy the football too much when I arrived. People were leaving early to get to the car park and things.

“We left that behind us before the pandemic and now everyone wants to enjoy every second in the stadium and we all have to play our part. That’s what I am looking forward to.”