Paul Scholes suggests rift between Jurgen Klopp and Jordan Henderson at Liverpool

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp acknowledges Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson as the latter is substituted during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool on 22 August, 2022 at Old Trafford, Manchester, United Kingdom
(Image credit: AFP via Getty Images)

Paul Scholes has suggested that Jurgen Klopp's choosing not to start Jordan Henderson may be down to a falling out between the Liverpool manager and captain.

For the second time in three Premier League games, Henderson started on the bench as the Reds crashed to a shock 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The 32-year-old came on with just under 30 minutes to go at the City Ground but, despite helping stabilise things in the middle of the park, was unable to inspire his side to a comeback. And Scholes was puzzled as to why he didn't start the game.

Close-up, side-on shot of Paul Scholes

Paul Scholes (Image credit: James Gill – Danehouse / Getty Images)

Speaking on Matchday Extra, the Manchester United legend speculated about the possible reasons for Henderson's omission. He said:

"[Klopp] has Jordan Henderson on the bench. He should be playing: he is the leader of the team and ... he gets everyone ticking around.

"He seems to have fallen out with [Klopp] or [be] carrying an injury. There's something not quite right there."

Henderson was also among the substitutes for last weekend's win against Manchester City, before starting the midweek victory over West Ham.

In fact, the England international has started 10 of Liverpool's 15 matches in all competitions this season – and he was unavailable for three of those through injury. It really doesn't feel like there's much to see here other than a simple case of rotation by a manager who's stretched in midfield.

Tom Hancock

Tom Hancock started freelancing for FourFourTwo in April 2019 and has also written for the Premier League and Opta Analyst, among others. He supports Wycombe Wanderers and has a soft spot for Wealdstone. A self-confessed statto, he has been known to watch football with a spreadsheet (or several) open...