Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson says the Reds' history of European comebacks should prevent complacency against Hoffenheim

  • Liverpool hold a 2-1 lead over Hoffenheim after their first-leg victory in Germany
  • Jordan Henderson says the club's history is a warning against complacency
  • Liverpool will reach the Champions League group stage if they progress 

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson says the club's own historic European comebacks are a warning against complacency ahead of their Champions League play-off second-leg clash with Hoffenheim.

The Reds earned a 2-1 first-leg win in Germany, via a stunning free kick from Trent Alexander-Arnold and a James Milner strike.

However Henderson thinks that counts for little come kick off at Anfield, and points to the team's own history for the reason why.

Liverpool's Jordan Henderson says the club's comebacks are a warning against complacency

Liverpool's Jordan Henderson says the club's comebacks are a warning against complacency

The Reds hold a 2-1 lead against Hoffenheim after their first-leg victory in Germany

The Reds hold a 2-1 lead against Hoffenheim after their first-leg victory in Germany

Henderson thinks the lead counts for little, and points to the team's history for the reason why

Henderson thinks the lead counts for little, and points to the team's history for the reason why

Writing for the club website, Henderson said: 'When people talk about the great European nights at Anfield, one of the big themes is comebacks and that a two-legged tie is never over until it's over.


'That has worked to Liverpool's benefit so many times during the club's history, of course, but it also serves a reminder that for us, the job isn't even half done as regards achieving our goal of qualification for the group stages of the Champions League.'

He also placed an emphasis on winning away in Germany, and said: 'To go to their home in Germany, where I believe they have an incredible record in recent years, and get a win was massive. It was a big step for us, but that's all it is, and it's a step that will count for nothing if we don't get over the line.

The Reds are still without wantaway Philippe Coutinho, who had a back problem and is now ill

The Reds are still without wantaway Philippe Coutinho, who had a back problem and is now ill

'As a dressing-room we know Hoffenheim are more dangerous than they were at their own ground last week. 

'They have the same ambition as us; they want to be in the Champions League proper when it starts in September, but I think we showed in Germany how much progressing in this competition means to all of us.'

The Reds are still without Barcelona target Philippe Coutinho, who has had a back problem and is now ill. Adam Lallana is a long-term injury concern, as is Nathaniel Clyne.

Andrew Robertson is pushing for a start after impressing on debut against Crystal Palace, but Daniel Sturridge could be rested to avoid aggravating a thigh problem.