Jordan Henderson does not subscribe to the idea that Liverpool’s fear factor has increased following their 5-0 dismantling of Porto, insisting Champions League opponents were concerned by them prior to Wednesday evening’s showing.
Sergio Conceicao's side suffered their heaviest-ever European home defeat as they struggled to contain or counter the Reds at Estadio do Dragao in the first-leg of the last-16 tie.
It was the only time the hosts have conceded more than three goals on their own turf on the continent, with Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino doing the damage.
The trio - the most prolific forward line in the competition - needed just six shots on target to beat goalkeeper Jose Sa five times.
Asked if such a clinical display would elevate the worry of others in the competition, Henderson said: “I think before this game, I am not sure how many teams would have wanted to play us anyway, because when we are on it, like we were, we are very hard to play against - but that has to be our norm.
"We have to be consistent with our performances and to continue getting results like this.
“I thought we started the game really well, very aggressive, very brave. We pressed up high to get the ball back. We defended well the whole game, and with the quality we have going forward, we were clinical as well.”
Henderson saluted a “complete team performance” and applauded Liverpool’s game management against opponents that thrive on the break. “We knew after half-time they would have a go, so it was about staying calm and keep playing our football,” the England international said.
“We knew we would create more chances if we could find the right spaces and we managed to do that. It was a great performance and a good result.”
Liverpool’s next goal will see Jurgen Klopp’s men record a century for the season, but the captain also flagged the club’s desire to build on their three consecutive shutouts away from Anfield.
“It is a lot of goals. Hopefully we can get more,” he said. “At the same time we need to make sure we get clean sheets like we did here.
“Virgil [van Dijk] has been brilliant since he has come in, but again, the whole back four was very good. The team defended from the front.”
Liverpool travelled from Porto to Marbella for a short warm-weather break at noon on Thursday to fine tune their preparations as they push to become Manchester City’s closest challengers in the Premier League and further their ambitions on the continent.
