O Captain! My Captain! Jurgen Klopp channelled his inner Walt Whitman at the weekend following Liverpool’s draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford, with Reds skipper Jordan Henderson facing the main brunt of the German’s ire
Outperformed and outplayed by a more determined Manchester United side, Klopp knows that with title rivals Manchester City preoccupied by the League Cup Final the same day his side have failed to take full advantage of going three points clear at the top.
Any more slip ups and the incumbent champions City will surely pounce.
That potential of a wobble derailing Liverpool’s best title chances in close to three decades was illuminated upon captain Henderson’s substitution for Xherdan Shaqiri, with Hendo seen to have ‘snubbed’ Klopp’s outstretched hand, charge past his boss and consciously applaud the travelling fans, as he came off the pitch.
Audibly picked up by the on-pitch microphone, the gaffer then subsequently scolded the player – “You didn’t shake my hand’ – as he was entering the dugout. The incident combined with a reported ‘bust-up’ during the post-match autopsy in the away changing room has divided the considerable fanbase, evident across social media.
The Mirror takes reports that Klopp went ‘ballistic’ at Henderson and gave him a right royal rollicking, with supporters now concerned that their side – who were seven points clear of City earlier on in the year but are now on just one – are threatening to throw it all away.
Taking sides is obviously a nasty business; do you back the manager who has introduced simply swashbuckling football and on the brink of leading you to achieving your wildest dreams? Or do you back your captain, your devoted servant of eight years, your master and commander?
Well the divide was really real, most going full Twilight and backing #TeamKlopp or #TeamHendo;
Lack of disrespect from Henderson to Klopp. Didn’t even shake Klopp’s hand when he was subbed for Shaqiri who can score goals. Klopp made sure he noticed. Disrespectful captain. (@bruceg87)
I like Henderson not shaking Klopp hand to applaud the fans instead. The only hand Klopp needed today was one across the face. (@Dijkinho)
Henderson needs to go. He had a good game, but threw a strop and didn’t shake Klopp’s hand once he came off. Not my captain. (@StunningSuarez)
Henderson had a very fine game. I don’t know why Klopp took him off. (@Cerebrone)
Also the way Henderson stormed off and ignored Klopp after being substituted was a joke. You’re supposed to be the captain, lead by example, otherwise strip him of the armband and give it to someone who will. (@KloppStyle)
Henderson’ll get in sh*t for it. Klopp wasn’t happy about it and he will let him know. But he respects Henderson, who I expect will apologise as a heat of the moment / fired up by the game thing, and it will pass with no repercussion. (@babuyagu)
With 11 games left to play of the 2018/19 season, on Wednesday Liverpool welcome Watford to Anfield. It’d be with greater interest one inspects that team-sheet before kick-off to see if the situation between manager and captain has been resolved.