"When a new manager comes in there always a bit more confidence and optimism," he said. "Gerard Houllier did a good job but now we've got to look to the future.
"There's an extra buzz around the place. The manager has come here with a great track record and that's given everyone a lift too.
"Everyone starts afresh. Everyone wants to prove they're worth a place in the team.
"Under the last manager some players were subbed a lot or felt they weren't going to play. A new manager gives them a fresh start."