Manuel Pellegrini provided a superb summary of James Milner in a 2015 interview with @sidlowe: “I’m Milner’s No1 fan. Find me a more complete English player. There are players who’re better technically, yes. Quicker players, yes. Players who head better, yes. But show me one who does all the things Milner does well. There isn’t one. “It’s hard to leave him out. Respect, commitment and performance level: 10/10, fantastic. He’s polyfunctional: full-back – the only position he doesn’t like – attacking midfield, wide. I played him as a forward and the team averaged three goals a game. He gives everything. “You leave him on the bench and he’s absolutely furious but watch him during the game: encouraging, shouting, supporting. And in the next training session he kills himself. “Milner’s a phenomenon, a guy with big balls and a heart this big,” Pellegrini continues, opening out his hands. “Intelligent, great mentality, one of those players that when you leave him out you’re left with this feeling of injustice; it hurts because he should always play.”

Beyond the identity of the new head coach - Andoni Iraola is expected to be appointed and intensity is his identity, but his European experience is severely lacking and it is unknown how he’ll cope with increased pressure and a greater schedule - Liverpool need to spell out their long-term strategy and shed light on the futures of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes. These are the men ultimately directing the club and making the big decisions, so clarity is paramount. On the face in the dugout, Luis Enrique is probably the only name that would arrive without question marks were he available, but he would expect proper control. Are Liverpool too attached to their desire for a head coach moving forward? I think it’s important if you want supporters to buy into and be immersed in a journey, for them to know what the plan is.