Henderson confident neuro work can help in Champions League final

Jordan Henderson is confident Liverpool’s brain training with German neuroscientists could prove the difference in Saturday’s Champions League final.

Speaking exclusively to Sportsmail, the Liverpool captain explained how their partnership with neuro11 has already helped secure two trophies via penalty shootouts this season.

‘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,’ Henderson said. ‘I feel that has helped a lot of the lads and hopefully it can make a big difference again.’

WHAT IS IT?

Liverpool’s partnership with Potsdam-based neuro11 began during pre-season last summer. 

Now co-founders Dr Niklas Hausler and Patrick Hantschke — both in their mid-thirties — form a key part of the club’s preparations for Saturday’s showpiece in Paris.

Their task is to help players get ‘in the zone’, by allowing them to ‘control their brain when it matters most’ via electrodes.

At Kirkby on Wednesday, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Konstantinos Tsimikas practised delivering balls towards the back post, with electrodes attached to their head. On Thursday it was penalty practice instead.

THE LOGIC

Hausler explains: ‘When you are able to perform at your best you don’t have to think about it, it’s just happening.

'Everyone’s mind is different. So, by analysing brain activity during training, neuro11 helps each player know what works for them.’

HAS IT WORKED

Since incorporating their methods, which have worked in basketball, golf, darts and archery, Liverpool have become one of the Premier League’s most dangerous sides from a dead ball. ‘They’ve had an incredible impact,’ manager Jurgen Klopp said.

‘It’s about bringing specific players, before a