Joe Allen hopes to impress Klopp ahead of Europa League final
Joe Allen: Wants cup win to kickstart new Liverpool era
Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen admits he is playing for his place every time he takes to the field but a looming Europa League final does add a little extra incentive.
The Wales international has arguably been the best performer when Jurgen Klopp has selected a second-choice side and he was again in the 2-0 win over Watford, in which he scored the first goal.
There are two league matches left against Chelsea and West Brom before Liverpool face Sevilla in Basle and the Reds boss insists he does not yet know his line-up for the final.
That offers hope to the likes of Allen, who has done well when called upon and has probably been slightly unlucky not to get more of a run in Klopp’s first team.
Allen has just over a year left on his contract but all talks about an extension have been put on hold until at least the end of the season and the 26-year-old is just focusing on his job on the pitch.
“With the final looming we want to use every opportunity we get out there on the pitch to build momentum ahead of that game against Sevilla,” he said.
“To be honest any time you step out for this team you are playing to prove you should be involved in the next game, whatever that game is.
“Of course there is an added incentive in some ways when there’s a final coming up.
“My personal mindset is that when I cross that white line my focus is always on performing and helping the team to get the result, regardless of who we’re playing.
“Personally, I don’t struggle to motivate myself.”
