Three reasons why Jurgen Klopp must take Europa League seriously…

1) It will give him a chance to get to know squad better

Jurgen Klopp hasn’t been afforded too much time to work on the training ground with his Liverpool squad. While the 48-year-old took over the reins during an international break which in theory gave him a chance to get to know some of his new players, Liverpool have played five games in 15 days since a stalemate at Tottenham Hotspur. Thursday’s Europa League clash in Russia doesn’t provide any much-needed respite, but it does give Klopp another chance to analyse his Liverpool squad. It is tough for foreign coaches to get to grips with the fringe players in their squad, and the Europa League is a welcome opportunity for the German coach to test some youngsters and satisfy the first-team cravings of some of his out-of-favour big-name stars.

2) Wining a cup can provide springboard for greater success

The Europa League may be Europe’s second-tier competition but winning the trophy can cultivate a winning mentality among the players. Gerard Houllier memorably guided the Merseyside outfit to Uefa Cup glory in 2001 after a dramatic 5-4 victory over Alaves. It bought Houllier favour from The Kop. Jose Mourinho started his Chelsea legacy with an important League Cup win over Liverpool at Millennium Stadium in 2005. He went on to win a further two Premier League titles the FA Cup and the League Cup again. Liverpool have been starved of silverware over the past decade aside from their League Cup win in 2012. Winning the Europa League would set Liverpool on the right path under Klopp.

3) Qualify for Champions League

Of course the biggest carrot is automatic qualification to next season’s Champions League. Chelsea’s demise has opened the door for Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to battle it out for fourth place with competition from the likes of Everton and Southampton. Klopp is still getting to grips with the Premier League but the former Borussia Dortmund manager is vastly experienced in Europe. He may view the Europa League as the more favourable path to Europe’s top table. The likes of Dortmund, Napoli and Villarreal are some of the big names in the competition, but over two legs and with Anfield advantage, Europa League nights could become magical in the quest for a return to the Champions League.