Jurgen Klopp looks to spur Red revival

London: Jurgen Klopp has challenged Liverpool’s under-performing stars to rediscover their swagger when the new Reds boss gets his first taste of the Premier League against Tottenham on Saturday.

All eyes will be on Klopp’s eagerly anticipated debut at White Hart Lane following the highly-regarded German’s recent appointment as successor to the sacked Brendan Rodgers. The charismatic 48-year-old’s impressive track record at Borussia Dortmund has established him as one of Europe’s top coaches and his arrival has rekindled enthusiasm among Liverpool fans who had grown disillusioned with Rodgers’ trophyless reign.

But, with Liverpool slumping to 10th place after just one win in their last nine matches in all competitions, Klopp is well aware he faces a major rebuilding job before he can dream of emulating legendary Anfield managers like Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley and Kenny Dalglish.

“I have met two kinds of people in the last week: most of them say ‘We’ll win the league’ and the other guys look at me like ‘What have you done? Why are you here?’,” Klopp said.

“Both are not right in this moment. It is not interesting what people think about this.”

Sam Allardyce, who left West Ham at the end of last season, has a well-earned reputation for helping clubs punch above their weight. But Sunderland have failed to win any of their first eight matches and defeat in Allardyce’s debut at struggling West Bromwich Albion would be a hammer blow.

Remarkably, Jose Mourinho ranks among the managers most under pressure following Chelsea’s woeful start to their Premier League title defence. Feted as champions in May, the Blues are now languishing in 16th place following a 3-1 home defeat against Southampton.

That loss came amid reports of dressing room rifts and prompted Mourinho to make an impassioned defence of his credentials.

Chelsea playing against Aston Villa on Saturday.