Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson admits not every teammate likes his captaincy style. It turns out the constant talking isn’t for everyone.
Jordan Henderson says his captaincy style isn’t for everyone. The 30-year-old took over the armband at Liverpool back in 2015 and hasn’t looked back since.
In fact, Henderson’s spell as captaincy is up there with the most successful periods in Liverpool’s history. His leadership has been a huge contribution to that, too.
It’s not difficult to see his style, either. Particularly in empty stadiums, you can hear Henderson constantly talking, shouting and demanding in games. He’s about as vocal as you can be while still actually playing the game.
And Henderson admits that’s not something everyone enjoys. While it’s a successful way of leading a team, some just don’t like it.
Henderson described himself as ‘vocal’ in a piece for the New York Times. As for how teammates react to that, he says it’s mixed.
Jordan Henderson on his captaincy style
“Some don’t mind,” he said. “Some don’t like it.”
The captain then goes on to say that when he does get it wrong, you simply ‘hug it out and move on’.
It’s inevitable, really, that some don’t like the constant shouting. Especially if they’ve done something wrong and would rather not have someone on their backs about it.
But it’s testament to Henderson’s personality and drive that he does it anyway. There’s no mistaking who leads the team and the positive effect on the pitch is obvious.
Since January 2019, Liverpool have lost just once with Henderson starting in midfield. And that was away at Manchester City the day after Liverpool clinched the title.
The entire team is more comfortable, more focused and more disciplined with Henderson present. It’s telling, after all, that games like the 3-0 defeat against Watford and the 7-2 loss to Aston Villa both came when the captain was injured.
So no, his style isn’t for everyone. But it very much works for Liverpool.
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