GETTY Jurgen Klopp has seen improvements since arriving in October 2015

Inspiration takes the form of a quote from Bob Paisley which newly adorns one of the changing room walls. “When you count second place as failure then standards are becoming fantastically high. We never celebrate second place here,” read the words of wisdom espoused by Liverpool’s most successful ever manager. There have been other changes during a summer facelift to what Klopp regards as his football HQ while a decision is taken on whether to move to a new purpose-built facility, merge with the academy at nearby Kirkby or invest in a total upgrade. In the players’ dressing room there is a silhouette on the wall of the aftermath of the exhilarating Europa League victory over Borussia Dortmund when Liverpool’s heroes linked arms in a line and celebrated in front of The Kop. A communal area has also been created for the squad to chill out in between, and after, double sessions and foster the spirit required to underpin their efforts.

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To that end, breakfast is compulsory. Outside, a paddle tennis court is in the process of being completed. When Klopp took his squad to Tenerife for a training break last March during international week, he fell in love in the game and requested one be built at Melwood. Some might see it as an indulgence, but it will also double as a head tennis court for the players while offering Klopp somewhere to wind down after long hours and immerse himself in battles with his coaching staff Jon Achterberg, Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz. It is therefore a physical and mental stimulant. If changes off the pitch have been plentiful, then the looming trip to Tottenham can act as a neat barometer of progress on the pitch. A lunchtime kick-off on a Saturday at White Hart Lane represents the where and when of Klopp’s formal introduction to the Premier League last October when he offered a first glimpse of his brand of heavy metal football in the match that ended 0-0. In the main, it has been music to supporters’ ears only for a bum note, seemingly out of nowhere, to check momentum and fling Liverpool backwards. Klopp has made strides.

Anfield is no longer as accommodating to opponents, the bond between club and support base has been sharpened and there is a feeling within the dressing room that they are being guided by one of Europe’s elite managers which engenders belief. Owners Fenway Sports Group, currently being courted by Chinese investors China Everbright, believe Liverpool are half way up the hill under Klopp, whose touchline antics see him hog the limelight but who prefers to share the credit. Just how sizeable those forward steps are, however, becomes blurred by defeats such as the insipid reverse to Burnley last weekend when Klopp would have wanted full throttle but found reverse. The verve that had ripped Arsenal apart, albeit in an 18-minute blitz, six days earlier was missing and instead of doing the simple things well Klopp saw his side over-elaborate. “Everything could have been better but it could have been worse. We are still on the way,” said Klopp, acknowledging the need for greater consistency. “The last defeat feels always stronger than the last win. “The players developed in the last few months. You get more experience. It doesn’t mean we are 200pc better. It is just that we feel stronger together and that is a big point.”

Ahead of the return to Tottenham, Klopp has been in charge of 32 Premier League games for Liverpool, winning 14, drawing 9 and losing 9. The results from predecessor Brendan Rodgers’ last 32 games are: W15 D9 L8. There were two Cup Finals as well, albeit losing ones, but while there have been plenty of changes to the squad questions remain as to whether there is the quality to penetrate the league’s upper-reaches. Have Liverpool strengthened enough? Not at left-back, probably not in midfield and we are waiting to find out if they have at goalkeeper following the pre-season injury to Loris Karius. Yet there should be no real surprise Liverpool remain work in progress. Here was a manager seeking to implement a vision and a style of play.

GETTY Alberto Moreno's performance's have been scrutinised of late