Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson believes brain training might make the difference in the UCL final
While speaking in an interview as quoted by Sportsmail, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is confident that the brain training they have been doing under the supervision of German neuroscientists might help them get the edge in the Champions League final.
Liverpool partnered with Potsdam-based neuro11 last summer who has been conducting research on the Reds’ players’ minds by attaching electrodes since the pre-season. Their focus is to understand the players’ brain functions during dead ball kicks including penalties, free kicks etc. and help them get ‘in the zone’ for better results.
The Reds’ skipper believes the process has helped Liverpool players a lot in previous matches and he’s confident that it would give them an advantage going into the Champions League final later this week.
“They have been working with us all season. It helps us practise a lot more and focus on individual things — like free kicks or penalties. I feel that has helped a lot of the lads and hopefully, it can make a big difference again.”
Now co-founders of the company Dr Niklas Hausler and Patrick Hantschke were seen working with the Liverpool squad during their Champions League final preparation. Given the margins for error, the Reds rather be well prepared.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Konstantinos Tsimikas were seen delivering balls towards the back post and taking penalties while wearing the electrodes earlier this week at Kirkby training ground.
How effective will the tests be?
Neuro11 has been working with the Liverpool squad for the whole campaign and it seems they might have helped the Reds win the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals that went to penalties in the end. The German scientists seem to know what they are doing and it has been effective so far.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp even suggested that the impact of brain research has been huge in improving the players’ performances. Competing on all fronts in high-pressure matches is not easy. However, technology has made it easier for the Reds.
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Henderson’s comments suggest that the electrodes might be doing their bits. Now it’s up to the players how they deliver in the crucial moments of the game. Real Madrid might not allow Liverpool many chances, hence, they might get the advantage if they know how to get the best out of penalty kick and free-kicks results.
