I can recall the moment when I became genuinely excited about what Jurgen Klopp would bring to Liverpool. It was not just his work in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, thrilling as that was. Nor was it that his natural enthusiasm and personality was so perfect for Anfield, which he demonstrated upon arrival. There is more to being a great manager than charm and personality.

The true endorsement came on a visit to Old Trafford a couple of years ago. I was invited to play in Michael Carrick’s testimonial and had the chance to speak to Sir Alex Ferguson. I had read Fergie’s complimentary remarks about the Liverpool manager, so wanted to hear more. “He’s got something about him. He is very confident,” Sir Alex told me.

There was a look of genuine admiration for Klopp, accompanied by that added hint of concern, telling me all I needed.

“If Fergie is worried, this guy must be the real deal,” I thought. Sir Alex explained he had met Klopp at one of the Uefa managerial conferences, where the elite coaches sit on a forum to discuss the direction of the game.

Klopp, still a relatively young coach at the time, attended as Dortmund manager and was not in awe of the successful, more illustrious names around him. On the contrary, he was opinionated, forthright and, by all accounts, deeply impressive on a range of subjects. Sir Alex noted it.