Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has hit back at critics of skipper Jordan Henderson.

Henderson has come under criticism recently for his performances and was left out of the Champions League win against Spartak Moscow on Wednesday evening.

But Klopp said: "Even a captain cannot play all the time. He's in a good moment, in good shape, but I thought for this game it made sense.

"You need the players on the pitch who 100 per cent understand what a derby is about.

"I only spoke about it because I thought people will find out, fantastic game, Jordan didn't play, and make a s*** story about it. Sorry.

"But they are s*** stories, so I cannot change that, so give me another word for it. Are you (on TV)? Sorry.

"He's such an important player for us. I really don't get why I have to say that. I live in the city and I get how some people are talking about (him)."