‘The model” as it became known was non-negotiable. A director of football was an absolute requirement. In the transfer market, “short-term, quick fixes” and overpaying for players were out of the question. A “talented young manager” was appointed to “instil a philosophy”.

Almost five years on from the purchase of Liverpool by Fenway Sports Group (FSG), all that remains of that blueprint is Brendan Rodgers. Given what was the model, it is not looking good.

Perhaps partly because he represents the last vestiges of the vision that they arrived with, Rodgers is yet to be dispensed with by FSG in the same manner as Damien Comolli, the director of football that they appointed, although there is no question that his position is subject to heightened