Jurgen Klopp believes he has taken strides in importing to Liverpool the spirit that took Borussia Dortmund to the German title.

Over a year into his reign, Klopp’s imprint is now all over Anfield on and off the pitch. Last week’s Christmas party at Merseyside’s plush Formby Hall was not just a team affair, with all Melwood staff on the invitation.

There was only one demand from the Liverpool manager when he addressed the room. No-one was allowed to go home before 1am.

Klopp is a manager who takes the ‘work hard, play hard’ mantra to the ultimate extreme, and although he is loathe to make direct comparisons with his former club – where he won the Bundesliga twice – his intention is to leave the same legacy.

“I am not sure I should compare but it is another nice situation,” said Klopp.