Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Caoimhe O'Neill

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson downplays Man City rivalry ahead of Community Shield and outlines season objective

Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson has downplayed the Reds' rivalry with Manchester City ahead of this weekend's Community Shield clash.

The Champions League-winning midfielder harbours no animosity towards Pep Guardiola's side who pipped the Reds' to the Premier League title last season by a single point.

Speaking in an interview for Sunday's match programme, Henderson admitted: "I don’t think I’ll ever tire of playing at Wembley.

"I’ve been lucky to play here a few times with Liverpool and of course England. The feeling of coming here and it being special never gets old. It’s a big game and a big occasion.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson at Yankee Stadium (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)

"It’s a first for me – playing in a Community Shield – but I know it’s a competition Liverpool have always taken seriously, so that brings a responsibility for whoever gets picked to do everything we can to win."

The last time Liverpool featured in the final was in 2006 following FA Cup success, where the Reds defeated Chelsea 2-1 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

"I’m not bothered about an advantage, we just want to win – full stop," the 29-year-old continued.

"The opponent is only relevant because in order to win it, we have to beat them. Sure, it’s the same for City. It’s the next game for us and therefore the next one we can win – that’s our attitude.

Follow the latest Liverpool transfer news and rumours HERE

"We’ve huge respect for City and what they achieved last season and we also respect they’ll be a big force again this season – but [this match] isn’t about anything other than doing our best to win for our supporters."

Jurgen Klopp's team made up for Premier League agony when they were crowned European Cup winners in Madrid two months ago.

Following a sensational 2018/19 campaign, Henderson also outlined the Reds' objectives for the upcoming season.

He said: "Keep winning. I’m not going to state anything specific because I don’t think it helps.

"But as I’ve already said, our aim is – and has to be – to go into every game, in every competition with the mindset of winning."

Liverpool will travel back from their Evian training camp later this week ahead of Sunday's trip to London.

 
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.