If you ask those sitting on the Kop to describe the prototype Liverpool manager, they would want someone with empathy with the supporters; an understanding of the history and culture of their city, its politics, its triumphs and tragedies; and a dedication to play the stylish, attacking football first established in the 1960s.

Or, if they wanted to cut to the chase, they would just point at Kenny Dalglish and say, ‘Someone a bit like him’.

Although the thrills and improvements on the field since Jürgen Klopp took over at Anfield are what matter most, it is the German’s rapport with the Kop that made his appointment such an obvious fit when he took over 14 months ago.

Some of his predecessors wilted in the shadow of legends, but Dalglish offers the closest Liverpool can get to a regal endorsement when eulogising Klopp’s work so far.

“Jürgen is somebody the supporters can relate to,” says Dalglish, now a non-executive director at Liverpool. “He is not someone who is full of his own importance, but someone who is accepting of the job. He won’t tell everyone how good he is at his job, he just is good at it.”