'That Night Always Sticks Out': Jordan Henderson Reveals Jurgen Klopp's Unusual Reaction To Losing 2016 Europa League Final

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson says Jurgen Klopp's unusual reaction to losing the 2016 Europa League final showed he knew the team could achieve "something special" in the years to come.

Liverpool beat Wednesday's Champions League semi-final opponents Villarreal in the last four of the Europa League that season, before losing 3-1 to Sevilla in the final in Basel.

It was a disappointing end to Klopp's first full season in charge of Liverpool but Henderson says the German's reaction to losing that day helped inspire confidence that silverware was on the way.

"That night always sticks out to us. I always remember, after the game, going back to the hotel and all the lads were disappointed and we all wanted to go back to our room and not see anybody," said Henderson.

"But the gaffer was a bit different to what you would expect. He had everybody downstairs together in the bar area and we just sort of spent the night together. I felt he knew this was the start of something special to come.

"I always felt he was very different to what I’ve ever seen before - and that night always sticks out in my mind. He’s produced that and proven that was the beginning of something special.

"It was more difficult for us, as players, to see past that night because we were so devastated we had lost a European final.

"His mentality was different. Yes, he was disappointed, but he knew it was the start and I think that confidence then transcends to the players.

"As the days go on, you try to use that as motivation to be better and to try to get to another European final, improve as a team and be more successful.

"Hopefully we can carry on going the right way, and tomorrow is another big night to take that step in the right direction."

Liverpool's Champions League opponents Villarreal are currently managed by Unai Emery, who was in charge of Sevilla for the 2016 Europa League final.

Villarreal have already surpassed expectations by beating Juventus and Bayern Munich to reach the last four of the Champions League this season.

Klopp believes those teams may have underestimated the threat of Emery’s side and has warned his own players against complacency, as they continue their pursuit of an unprecedented quadruple.

"There might have been a slight advantage [for Villarreal] where Juve or Bayern might have underestimated them but that won't happen with us. They want to be part of the final but it's the same importance for us," said Klopp.

"They're seventh in La Liga. After they won the quarter-final with Bayern, in between they played Bilbao and Unai changed 11 times. Spain is obviously competitive.

"It's a difficult league to be successful in but Unai shows he has a plan for each result 1-0 up, 1-0 down etc.

"We have properly analysed Villarreal. I have proper respect for Unai and them. I watched them properly and wow! Impressive.

"He is a detail-obsessed manager. Different ways to press and react to different results. A world-class coach doing an incredible job."