Liverpool train in Hoffenheim ahead of Champions League qualifier as captain Jordan Henderson issues battle cry ahead of first leg
- Liverpool face Hoffenheim in the first leg of their Champions League play-off
- The Reds must win the two-legged encounter to reach the group stage
- Liverpool have not played Champions League football since December 2014
Tuesday night marks Liverpool's return to Champions League football, but Jordan Henderson is taking nothing for granted ahead of the play-off with Hoffenheim.
After sealing a fourth place finish on the final day of last season, the Reds secured their place in the qualification stage.
But Jurgen Klopp's side face a tough test against German outfit Hoffenheim, who have been revitalised under 30-year-old manager Julian Nagelsmann.
Jordan Henderson speaks to the press ahead of Liverpool's clash with Hoffenheim
The Liverpool captain joined his team-mates in training ahead of Tuesday night's game
Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino limber up on the pitch at the Wirsol Rhein-Neckar-Arena
As they trained out on the pitch of the Wirsol Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Liverpool looked relaxed ahead of the challenge they face in Tuesday's first leg.
Speaking to the press, captain Jordan Henderson insists his team-mates are excited by the opportunity of their return to the top table of European football.
'It is a great opportunity for us as a team. Last year, one of the aims was to qualify for the Champions League and these next two games give us this opportunity.
'We are looking forward to it, we are excited. Hopefully we can put on a good performance to take to Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp addresses the Liverpool squad as they prepare for their European adventure
New signing Salah jogs alongside team-mates Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum
Sadio Mane made a goalscoring return to the side in the 3-3 draw with Watford on Saturday
'It is a big test but it is a big opportunity that is how we have to look at it.
'Over two games, we want to qualify for the Champions League and that was the aim. We need to finish it off against Hoffenheim. If we perform I am confident we can qualify.'
The 27-year-old insisted the mood in the camp remained positive, despite the speculation surrounding the future of Philippe Coutinho and conceding a last-minute equaliser in the 3-3 draw with Watford on Saturday.
Alberto Moreno flexes his muscles and enjoys a laugh with team-mate Wijnaldum on Monday
Moreno, Wijnaldum and Firmino are all smiles ahead of their German test on Tuesday night
'It is still very positive. Obviously after the game we are disappointed when you concede a goal in the last few minutes.
'You are always disappointed but in football you have to get over it. There are still a lot of positives but we need to work on a few things.
'We are still positive. Hopefully, we can put on a good performance to take back to Anfield.'
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