Henderson: Liverpool need to ensure fourth place was not in vain

Liverpool have to show that finishing fourth in the Premier League is not where things end for them, and develop into a true Champions League side according to Jordan Henderson.

Jurgen Klopp’s men earned a spot in the Champions League play-off on the final day of the Premier League season, with a comfortable win over Middlesbrough.

They beat both Arsenal and Manchester United to that vital fourth spot but Henderson does not want that to be in vain as they face the crucial play-off in August.

Liverpool exited the FA Cup early to Wolverhampton Wanderers, and fell at the semi-final stage in the League Cup, leaving Henderson keen to show their progression under Klopp with some silverware.

Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

“To do that [reach the top four] is a big achievement,” he said.

“Everybody was over the moon that we got in the top four. Now we’ve got to go and win the play-off to actually get into the group stages of the Champions League.

“Of course we’d have liked to win something as well but you’ve got to take one step at a time and that is a big achievement.

“Since I’ve been here, we’ve only been in the Champions League once. It’s a good step in the right direction for us and it’ll help us develop as a squad.”