Jurgen Klopp hails virtues of Europa League

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is enjoying the Europa League and is confident it will not impact on his side’s improving domestic form.

The German took the strongest squad available to him to Russia for Thursday’s 1-0 win over Rubin Kazan — a significant contrast from predecessor Brendan Rodgers who left six senior players behind for his only away game in Europe this season in Bordeaux.

Many managers of British clubs view the second-tier competition with some disdain, fielding weakened sides of fringe players and youth-teamers, as they feel playing Thursday-Sunday affects performances in the Premier League.