Henderson: We expect big things - we'll use this hurt
Liverpool will use the hurt of letting a three-goal half-time lead slip against Sevilla as a source of further motivation for the weekend clash with Chelsea, according to Jordan Henderson.
A disappointing second 45 minutes at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Tuesday saw the Reds miss out on a victory that would have seen them into the Champions League last 16 as group winners.
The captain admits he is feeling the pain of that turnaround as much as anyone else, but has acknowledged the importance of his role in lifting his teammates for the challenges ahead.
"We expect big things as a team and club and with the players we’ve got we have to be winning every week, really," he told Premier League Productions.
"That is the pressure we put ourselves under so, when we don’t perform to the levels we should, then of course there will be criticism and of course that will hurt.
"You have to use that as best you can. I’ve been in that position a few times in my career and I’ve tried to use it to my advantage every time I step onto the pitch.
"I’ve felt a responsibility throughout my career when I’ve played and had a bad defeat or bad game, so it does affect me. But as a captain I have to forget about myself and think about the team really.
"For the weekend, it is best for the team to stay positive and keep the momentum we have sort of built over the last few weeks.
"I’m going to try and pick everyone up, which won’t be easy but I’ll try my best."
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Despite drawing in midweek, Liverpool remain in control of Champions League Group E, while their prospects in the Premier League are looking up of late, too.
Having won their last three outings in the division, the Reds sit just a point outside of the top four and only three behind Antonio Conte's third-placed champions ahead of Saturday's meeting between the teams.
Henderson is keen to keep that strong run going when the sides go head-to-head at Anfield.
"It’s [always] a big game of course and we are three points behind them so it’s a huge game," he added.
"For us, we want to keep that momentum going in the Premier League. We’ve had some good results of late against Southampton and Huddersfield so hopefully we can keep the momentum going, because it is a busy period with lots of games and lots of points up for grabs.
"I think you have to concentrate on what you can do, forget everybody else and focus on performing at the highest level, being ready and winning games and at the end of the season see where you are at."