LGBTQ: Jurgen Klopp denies Jordan Henderson’s Saudi transfer accusation

Merseyside Reds manager Jurgen Klopp strongly denied Jordan Henderson’s claims that he was no longer desired or valued. The hubbub following Henderson’s disputed transfer to Al Ettifaq was significant.

Henderson spent over a decade at Liverpool before joining Al Ettifaq in the summer. The LGBTQ community in England, where Henderson was revered, opposed this move.

Henderson, who did not identify as LGBTQ, decried LGBTQ discrimination and advocated for their acceptance and equality. Henderson wore a rainbow armband multiple times during matches to show his support for this neglected minority.

LGBTQ advocacy groups believed Jordan Henderson should have declined Saudi Arabian offers because homosexuality was a Capital offense. He was accused by the LGBTQ community of joining the Middle Eastern club for financial gain.

Henderson defended his decision, saying he felt rejected by Jurgen Klopp.

in Hendo’s ears and mind, he thought I didn’t want him there. If I said Hendo would be the main man for me he would stay but I couldn’t. That’s why it’s better he moved on. Not a bit of bad blood. Captain of the best Liverpool team in the Premier League era      – Jurgen Klopp

Henderson said, “Several reasons were concerning. I got along with Jurgen, and he was honest. I won’t describe our private talk, but I felt my playing time would decrease. I knew fresh players were being recruited for my position.”

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“We wouldn’t be having this conversation if someone had clearly stated their desire for me to stay,” Henderson said. My next career move was a consideration. Not that they forced me out or begged me to go, but I never thought the club or anyone wanted me to stay.”

When younger players replace senior players, the experienced player often spends long periods on the bench, which might make the team consider whether to keep paying them. Given Jordan Henderson’s services to the club, Jurgen Klopp may have struggled to convince him he was no longer needed. Henderson felt their chats were incomplete, regardless of Klopp’s intentions.

Klopp admitted, “Hendo was honest. That was it. I asked him to stay, but we also discussed reducing his playing time.”

“I cannot promise a player 50 games because I cannot foresee that,” Klopp said. Our partnership required addressing ‘what if’ scenarios. I admire Hendo, but like others, he suffered outside the starting lineup. We discussed that.”

Henderson said he was doing well with the Saudi club over LGBTQ issues. “My values and views remain unchanged since I left. Having someone with these ideals and views in Saudi Arabia is good. Not once have they limited me. I think it can promote change like the World Cup in Qatar. The emphasis on Qatar led to rule modifications, which I think is good. I can contribute, but I can’t do it alone.”