Allen: Klopp welcome can spur Reds on
Joe Allen is anticipating a special atmosphere at Anfield when Jürgen Klopp makes his home debut as Liverpool boss on a European night at the Reds' famous ground.
Rubin Kazan visit Merseyside this evening as Klopp's team play the third fixture of their Europa League group stage campaign.
The German coach is sure to get a warm welcome as he takes to the home dugout for the first time since taking charge two weeks ago.
And Allen believes the reception for the new manager can help put a spring in the step of the players as they target three points.
"I’m sure it will be [special] and I’m sure the manager is really looking forward to it," he told Liverpoolfc.com.
"I think if you combine the European night feel with the welcome the new manager will get, hopefully that will create a great atmosphere for the game.
"With that, it always spurs the players on to give that little bit extra and we are all confident we can get that win and kick-start the Europa League campaign."
The meeting with Valery Chaly's men marks the start of a run of six games in just 18 days with domestic cup, European and league commitments combining to hectic effect.
Allen insists he and his colleagues relish such busy periods, however, and expects a healthy dose of squad rotation to ensure everyone remains fresh.
"I think sometimes from the outside there seems to be a bit of a worry when there’s lots of games in a short space of time, but as a player you relish these times because this is what it’s all about and you can’t wait to get out there and play," he explained.
"There will be rotation, there has to be when you have so many games in such a short time and with the new manager coming in it’s a good time, a good opportunity for everyone to stake a claim and get themselves in the mixer for regular game time."
The Welsh midfielder has been restricted to just five appearances for the Reds in 2015-16 after picking up a hamstring problem in pre-season training.
As a result, he is keen to feature as regularly as possible with the games coming thick and fast.
"I’m dying to get some football under my belt really. It’s been a frustrating start, we’ve been here before really and it happens in football," he added.
"It’s something I’ve had to learn to deal with, it never gets easier I don’t think and I just want to get back out on the pitch and help the team get a good run going.
"We’ve got lots of good competitions to look forward to competing in, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the season develops."