‘Rousing Klopp talk paved way to Champions League finale’

Immediately after one of the lowest points in his career, having watched the 2016 Europa League defeat to Sevilla as an unused substitute because he was not fully fit, the midfielder was inspired by his manager’s motivational talk.

Klopp foretold there would be more finals to come, outlining his vision of where he wanted the club to go, and Henderson was hooked.

“We were obviously down but when we got back to the hotel the manager had something different to stay,” he said.

“He looked at the bigger picture and the future and he felt as though it could be a big moment in our careers to learn from the experience.

“He had this sort of vision that made me think in the future we’d get to another final.

“He wanted to use the experience of that final to keep us together and use it as a positive. If we got to another final we’d be ready.

“At that moment, I could see that he was confident about getting to another final.

“I can’t remember word-for-word but he had something about him that felt it was the start of something – something he felt he could take forward and definitely get the team to another final.

“I definitely remember that night. I think you can see how he has taken the team forward since then has been fantastic.”

Liverpool this season have played some sensational football and their position as the top scorers in the Champions League with 40 goals is testament to that.

Their place in the final may have surprised many but Henderson believes it is indicative of the mentality bred by Klopp.

“He is our leader and everyone looks up to him,” added the England international.

“I have spoken about the manager having a massive impact since he’s come in, which he has.

“He has created a special dressing-room with special players and I’m sure that will continue in the summer with new players coming in and helping this squad out to win trophies.

“I definitely feel we are going in the right direction. (I can) definitely see how hungry the team are to be successful.”

LIVERPOOL captain Jordan Henderson believes the seeds of their Champions League Final appearance against Real Madrid were sown two years ago thanks to a rousing speech by Jurgen Klopp.