Jordan Henderson admits he’s so driven to succeed at Liverpool that occasionally he needs to be told to rest.
It’s a sentiment that will undoubtedly delight Kopites who have savored every minute of the midfielder’s energetic performances so far this season.
Henderson has stopped at nothing to seize back possession on the field, and it seems his enthusiasm also knows no bounds on the Melwood practice fields.
Head of performance Glen Driscoll says the 23-year-old at times needs to be reined in, in order to aid his recovery between games.
Henderson, with a knowing grin, replied: “Sometimes I need people to tell me to rest. After training, I like to do a little bit extra. A few of us do a bit of shooting or whatever it might be, but sometimes you need to give your legs a rest and prepare for the game in the best way that you can.
“We have the right people at the club to tell you when you can and when you can’t do the extra bit.”
While the Melwood trainers have emphasized the need for balance, Henderson insists they still seek to nurture the physical attributes that the England international possesses in abundance.
Last weekend, head of fitness and conditioning Ryland Morgans detailed how a mixture of gym work, the manager’s philosophy and a rigorous schedule has helped Liverpool maintain a high-intensity press throughout the current campaign.
“We have the right fitness coaches in Ryland and people in the gym,” Henderson continued. “They make sure that you are at your best physically.
“Some days we’ll do strength training and sprint training just to make sure we’re in the best condition we can be. All the credit has to go them. If we do it as they say, then we should be in great shape for the weekend.
“But we need to recover well, too. It’s just as important after the game that you make sure you recover the best you can in terms of getting the right food down you.
“Then you need a couple of days’ recovery in the pool, doing stretches and things like that. I think 24 to 48 hours after a game is vital in terms of your preparation for the next game.”
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