Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson doubts he can influence Philippe Coutinho to stay

Jordan Henderson will hold talks with Philippe Coutinho but says he is powerless to keep the Brazil international at Liverpool.

Jordan Henderson is to hold conversations with Philippe Coutinho in an attempt to keep the Brazilian at Anfield, but the Liverpool captain admits "whatever I say won't help matters".

Coutinho submitted a transfer request by email last week after the club
turned down Barcelona's second offer for the midfielder, with the latest worth £90.4m, before Liverpool swiftly moved to reject the request from their key playmaker.

Manager Jurgen Klopp on Monday claimed "nothing has changed on one side or the other side", despite Coutinho missing his side's Premier League opener against Watford on Saturday before being left out of the squad for the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie against Hoffenheim.

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Liverpool have rejected two offers from Barcelona for Brazil international Philippe Coutinho

Speaking ahead of Tuesday's clash, Henderson said: "It's a difficult situation for Phil and whatever I say won't help matters.
"We want Phil to stay because he is a world-class player.
"Ask anybody in the team - they want him to stay.
"I don't think I can influence the situation…That's down to Phil and the club.
"I have had conversations with Phil as he is my team-mate. I'm close to him and I have a lot of respect for him."
The Reds claimed a back problem resulted in the 25-year-old missing the 3-3 draw against Watford, and Klopp on Monday admitted Coutinho's absence against Hoffenheim is "a blow" to his team's chances.

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But Henderson is adamant the uncertainty surrounding his team-mate's future will not affect the team's focus as they prepare to take on the Bundesliga side.
"The focus won't be affected at all," he added.
"For us the biggest focus is Hoffenheim. We'll stay together and make sure we take a good result back.
"We've got to take the opportunity."