Jordan Henderson Praises Backroom Staff

In response to Liverpool’s tremendous start to the season, praise as been lavished on individual players as well as manager Jürgen Klopp, who is navigating his first full season in control of the club.

Captain Jordan Henderson is one of the players who has seen greatly impressed in the first 11 games. His tireless work in the midfield has allowed the team’s explosive attackers to do their damage up front. However, in a recent interview, Hendo pinpointed two more names to add to the growing list of Liverpool over-achievers: head of fitness and conditioning Andreas Kornmayer and head of nutrition Mona Nemmer.

Both additions were added in the summer, and both have played a crucial part in restoring and maintaining the fitness of the players after last season’s injury bloodbath.

About Kornmayer, Henderson, who last season experienced his toughest season, injury-wise, said, “He has been brilliant. He’s really come in and put his own stamp on what he wants to do and what the manager wants from the players. The lads get on very well with him, he’s got a good relationship with all the lads, and he works us very hard, which is good. We’ve got a great bunch of lads that want to work, so that makes it easier for him, but the things he’s done have definitely put us in good condition, as you can see out on the pitch in the performances and energy levels we’ve had.

“I feel very good at the moment, probably the best I’ve felt in years really in terms of my fitness and just in general.

“I think that’s the same as everyone – we’re feeling good as a team, very fit, and I think a lot of that is down to pre-season and the base we had, and we’ve built on that over the first few weeks of the season and we continue to do that in training.”

Of course, it’s still early in the season, and Liverpool have a significantly lighter schedule than last season, with being out of Europe and also winning their EFL Cup games in 90 minutes instead of forcing extra time and penalties. All of this must contribute to the fitness of the players, but having a head of health and fitness whom they trust and have confidence in can’t hurt.

Head of nutrition Mona Nemmer has also earned the skipper’s praise thanks to the “world-class” meals she’s been providing.

“In pre-season, I couldn’t believe it – we’re getting a bit spoilt, actually. She’s been world-class, making sure we’re getting the right food in after games, the protein shakes we have… everything, everything is covered nutritionally.

“I’ve never seen anything like it since I’ve been involved in football in terms of the food we’re having. Everything seems to be done and checked off for us to go out at the weekend and perform.

“She varies it, it changes all the time. The food is always different – it’s the way it’s made, the way it’s prepared for us. The variation is the biggest thing for us because having the same things all the time can get a bit boring and nutritionally it isn’t good for you. It’s good for you to try different things. I think she’s introduced that brilliantly there.”

They were kind words from the skipper for the backroom staff who keep everything ticking behind the scenes, and it seems to support the idea that everyone involved with the club is working towards the same goals.