16 May 2023 , 21:30
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Jordan Henderson has urged Liverpool to maintain their winning streak and not be distracted by emotional goodbyes from teammates.
Aston Villa's visit on Saturday is the Reds’ final home game when fans are set to pay tribute to an out-going quartet of stars. Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will all leave the club at the end of the season.
Boss Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Brazilian striker Firmino, 31, is set for a late run out from the bench in his final game at Anfield in his first appearance in a month. Fans showed their admiration for the Premier League and Champions League winner at Leicester when they sang Firmino’s name for long spells in Monday night’s 3-0 win.
Henderson says the star deserves the memorable tribute but says it is vital Klopp’s fifth-placed side secure an eighth win in a row.
The Reds skipper wants to keep the pressure on Newcastle and Manchester United above them in the race for the top four, which he hopes to take to the final day at relegated Southampton.
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Experienced midfielder Henderson, 32, reflected: “Bobby is a big part of the squad and an amazing guy. Of course, he will be missed along with the other lads who are leaving as well so it will be tough to see them leave.
“But the focus is always just on the game first and foremost and we will be doing everything we can to win. That is the most important thing, then whatever happens after that happens.
“We want to get the three points on Saturday. We have business to do now for the next couple of weeks with two games left, then we can say the goodbyes after that.
Jordan Henderson wants the Liverpool squad to remain focused (AP)“We just have to concentrate on our job which is to win the next two games and then see where we are at the end of the season.”
While several older faces are preparing to leave, Liverpool ’s win at Leicester provided plenty of optimism for the future.
Among the stars to impress were midfielder Curtis Jones, 22, who bagged a clinical double to take his tally to three goals in four games.
Trent Alexander-Arnold also shone as he moved into midfield when Liverpool were in possession and curled in a stunning strike to make it 3-0.
Victory secured European football for next term despite an indifferent season including heavy defeats to Napoli, Brighton, Wolves, Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Roberto Firmino is one of three players leaving Liverpool at the end of the season (Getty Images)But Henderson, under contract until 2025, insists their current form has engendered a lot of optimism and momentum for next season.
He insisted: “We have had our problems this season for different reasons, but we have shown over the last few good weeks that we are still a very good team. We can still perform at a high level and win games consistently.
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“Hopefully we can do that from now in the next two games and then carry that through into next season. That will be the plan. There is a few lads going and I am sure there will be a few lads coming in.
“So we need to be ready in pre-season which is big for us. But we still have two games left which is the focus at the minute.”