Helping Hend
Ajax manager Francesco Farioli has claimed he hasn’t been left surprised by Jordan Henderson getting an England call-up.
On his initial reaction, he told Sky Sports: “It was great. It was in the morning of the game, so we had just the opportunity to meet for breakfast and he came up with this news and, of course, it was really emotional.
“You know how much it means for him to be back in the national team squad and I think it’s something that he’s really happy for the team and for the club, and for all of us.
“This type of news is always special. So, with Jordan, we are really well connected from the emotional point of view for all the things that since day one I got from him because he’s a fantastic person, a true leader.
“As you can imagine, his experience, his knowledge and especially his love for the game is something that is really unique. For me, as a coach, it’s not really difficult to connect with people if they have this desire to make our normal environment better every day.
“He’s a player who just by example is able to lead the group and to move all the players in the right direction, and I think in the new journey that we are having, his role has been crucial.
“We have to be really happy. We are really happy for the fact that he’s going to contribute also for the new cycle of the England national team.”
Was Farioli surprised by Henderson’s call-up? “No, because I believe he’s a player who can really bring things.
“With his mentality and his professionalism, you are getting better in this type of thing.
“And now that England is rebuilding a new story, I believe you need this type of player and especially human being.”
