Danny Ings admits surprise at Jurgen Klopp’s decision in Liverpool defeat

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Danny Ings has told Sky Sports (broadcast on 4/1; 22:08) that he was very surprised to see Jordan Henderson start at centre-back for Liverpool’s defeat to Southampton on Monday.

Despite including Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams in his squad, Jurgen Klopp decided to pick Henderson alongside Fabinho at the heart of the back four.

The skipper actually seemed to produce a reasonable performance. But it proved to be a frustrating night for the Reds. Ings scored inside two minutes. And the visitors could not find an equaliser before the full-time whistle.

And following the game, the Saints striker admitted that he did not expect to be coming up against the midfielder in his particular battle.

“I actually was, yeah,” he told Sky Sports, when asked if he was surprised by Henderson playing at centre-back. “I was very surprised.

“But they’ve got such a strong squad. They’ve got players who can play in different roles so we still had to be completely focused. Hendo’s a top pro and a top player so we knew it was going to be difficult either way.”

While Henderson was not Liverpool’s worst performer, it did appear that his lack of experience in the centre-back role did hurt him.

There were some aspects of his game which were disappointing. And it may not have helped Trent Alexander-Arnold, who endured a miserable evening on the south coast.

Liverpool have done remarkably well this season given the problems that they have had at centre-back. And Henderson playing in the backline was not the reason Southampton came out on top.

But it does appear that the decision may not have done the Reds many favours.