Jordan Henderson reveals talks with Jurgen Klopp on Liverpool's change of position

Jordan Henderson knew he had done something good as number 8 when his manager apologized for not playing earlier.

Jurgen Klopp said with humor that he was mistaken after his skipper's revealing performance against Porto, where he led the team to a win that put one foot in the Champions League semi-finals.

Then, the English midfielder revealed that it was a frank and honest meeting between the two players two weeks ago, which led to a change of position that could be a master stroke in the double Liverpool quest at the end of the season.

Henderson explained that it was his form for England in eighth place that persuaded the Reds boss not to be a midfielder.

"When we had the conversation, I felt that I could say what I thought," he said.

"I thought I could play more in this role. When I spoke to the manager, it was (to say) that I felt more natural in that position. Obviously, he saw the English matches, I felt naturally in the English games playing in this position (and) he said that he would think about it. "

Henderson did not always have the support of the Anfield crowd, but Tuesday night they sang his name, such was the impact of his driving performance.

As he explains, it is his role in a more offensive role for England against the Czech Republic and Montenegro during the international break that gave food for thought to Klopp.

Klopp said, "He obviously likes the job. It was my fault if for a year and a half he was playing No.6. Sorry! But we needed him there.

For Henderson, the meeting on his return from the national team was key to saving time. As captain, he was not chosen automatically this season, which worried him and motivated the cat.

And he explained that Fabinho's development in role number six helped him realize he needed more options in his game … even if going in to talk to Klopp was not easy.

"It's hard to do, it's difficult. For me as captain and player of this football club, I always give priority to the team, "he explained.

"In the last two years, Fabinho did not really play that role (# 6) so I had to adapt it. I think I learned the job very well.

"But I think if you look at Fab, it's quite natural for him, it's his position and he's very good at what you have to do in that position.

"I just thought it could give me a little more license to go ahead. I can do both positions and he sees that I can do both. This is another string to my bow: I like to play and try to contribute higher in the field during the last third. "