Jordan Henderson commends the resilience of Ajax following their draw with Bodo/Glimt, emphasizing the need for them to improve their performance in the initial stages of matches.

Jordan Henderson, the AFC Ajax midfielder, expressed his gratitude towards the fans after the thrilling UEFA Europa Conference League Play Offs match against FK Bodo/Glimt at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on February 15, 2024, in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Despite the match ending in a 2-2 draw, Henderson credited his team’s “great character” while acknowledging the need to improve their game starts.

The Eredivisie side found themselves trailing 2-0 after Albert Gronbaek netted two goals for Bodo/Glimt. Henderson, the former Liverpool captain, commended his teammates for their resilience in fighting back but emphasized the importance of starting games better. He referred to Ajax’s recent defeat to Heerenveen, where they fell behind 3-0 before losing 3-2, as another example of their slow starts.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Henderson acknowledged Bodo/Glimt as a formidable opponent, praising their organization and ability to exploit Ajax on the counter-attack. He highlighted the team’s character and determination to keep pushing until the end, salvaging a draw and keeping the tie alive. However, Henderson stressed the need for improvement, urging his teammates to replicate their late-game performances from the start.

Henderson recognized the young nature of the Ajax squad and acknowledged that mistakes are bound to happen. He emphasized the importance of learning from those mistakes as a team and maintaining a relentless attitude throughout the game. The experienced midfielder emphasized the unpredictable nature of football and the potential for comebacks, as demonstrated by Ajax’s late surge in the match.

Despite not securing a victory in his three appearances for Ajax, Henderson expressed his satisfaction with how quickly he has settled into the team. He praised the players and staff for their support and stated his commitment to helping the team achieve their goals. Henderson acknowledged that progress will take time but affirmed his dedication to contributing to the team’s success.

In conclusion, Jordan Henderson’s presence in the AFC Ajax squad has brought a sense of leadership and determination. While praising his teammates’ character, he emphasized the need for improved game starts and sustained performance throughout matches. Henderson’s integration into the team has been seamless, and he remains focused on helping Ajax reach their desired level of success.