Jordan Henderson jokes with Mo Salah over Real Madrid ‘revenge mission’; insists Liverpool ‘don’t need extra motivation’

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson joked with Mo Salah over the winger’s supposed ‘revenge mission’ in the Champions League final, claiming the Reds don’t need any extra motivation for Saturday’s game against Real Madrid.

Salah shared press conference duties with the midfielder at the club’s media day ahead of the game at the Stade de France, and has already spoken of ‘revenge’ against the LaLiga club after defeat to them in the 2018 final in Kiev.

The Egypt star’s motivation is likely more personal though. He was forced off with a shoulder injury after just 30 minutes of a game that Liverpool were dominating.

They went on to lose that game 3-1 as Gareth Bale scored twice from the bench for Real. However, Liverpool did bounce back the following year to beat Tottenham in Madrid.

“He didn’t mean to say that, did you Mo?” said Henderson on Salah’s ‘revenge’ comment, after the forward committed his future to the club for next season.

“I can understand from Mo’s point of view, it was a very emotional time. It was very tough for him and tough for everyone.

“But for me, you don’t need any more motivation to win a Champions League final.

“It was all you dreamed of as a kid, to play big games and they don’t get any bigger than a Champions League final. They (Real Madrid) are a world-class side with some world-class players.”

Henderson reflects on Madrid 2019 high

Henderson also experienced the same lows and highs of defeat and victory. He lifted the club’s sixth European crown at the Wanda Metropolitano in 2019, ranking it a major personal highlight.

“I would say winning the Champions League in Madrid was probably the biggest moment in my career, the most special, to get over the line to finally win the Champions League after going so close the year before,” said the 31-year-old, who has already lifted the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this term.

“It was a really emotional time for me. I would definitely put it as number one in my career so far.

“(2018) was a very low point in my career, to get so close to your dream and then for it to be taken away at the last hurdle was pretty tough to take.

“But looking back I learned a lot. We used that experience to be better, stronger and to win a year later made it even more special.

“You never know when the last chance to play a Champions League final is. That is why the next opportunity is the biggest one and this opportunity on Saturday is huge.

“It is everything to us and that is why we will give it everything.

“Things can change so quickly in football but we have worked for a long period of time, worked tirelessly for years, they (finals) don’t just happen and when you get them you have to be ready.”

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