Suffering Hammer gets classy Anfield message

Jordan Henderson has sent a classy message to Andriy Yarmolenko and the people of Ukraine ahead of this weekend’s clash between Liverpool and West Ham.

The two sides are set to meet in Saturday’s late kick-off, in a game that could have huge implications on both the title race and the hunt for the top four.

The Reds have only lost twice this season and have yet to lose in 2022 but Henderson has used his matchday programme notes to send a message to Yarmolenko.

The Irons star has been given time off to deal with the Russian invasion of his home country and Moyes has confirmed that he will not be involved this weekend due to the compassionate leave he has been given, but Henderson has still sent a classy message.

And in the pre-match programme, Henderson, who is Liverpool’s captain, said:  “As with ourselves, it goes without saying that whoever is named on West Ham’s teamsheet this evening will be a very good footballer. 

“It’s definitely not for me to get involved in who David Moyes does or doesn’t pick but, like everyone in football, I would love to see Andriy Yarmolenko involved. 

“I’m well aware that Andriy was given compassionate leave by his club after the invasion of his homeland, Ukraine, started and he only returned to training at the start of this week. So it could be that this fixture comes too soon for him, but I would like nothing better than to see him back in action at Anfield.”

He has also praised Moyes’ handling of the crisis, in which he has continually showed his public support for Yarmolenko, adding: “I’ve seen how well David Moyes has handled this particular situation and it hasn’t surprised me one bit because it’s been clear for many years that he is a top manager and a brilliant man-manager.  

“I think sometimes people in football aren’t given enough credit for this so hopefully David will be given the recognition he deserves for the compassion and understanding he has shown one of his players during what is a uniquely difficult time for him. 

“If Andriy is involved I have no doubt that our crowd will show solidarity with him. If he’s not yet ready then, as club captain, I would like to use these notes to let him know that everyone at Liverpool FC stands with him. 

“Today is a day when the Premier League as a whole will demonstrate its support for Ukraine and as a club we are more than happy to play our part in that.”

 

About Dave Langton

A journalist with 10 years' experience of working on National newspapers, now chief reporter covering the club that I've loved since I was a boy. Upton Park remains the greatest football stadium ever built.