In a perfect world, Liverpool would be parading their new Ferrari around Anfield right now as they tune up for yet another Champions League adventure. However, while a ticket to the top table in Europe will always be the target destination, Jurgen Klopp and his players have been made to encounter a detour this time around.
For the first season since 2016 the Reds will step into European competition on Thursday nights.
As a one-off, that is no reason for too much concern and Liverpool will always have immense pulling power even without Champions League qualification. It did not cost them signing Jude Bellingham - as such - but the shortfalls highlighted by a failed top-four charge did prompt Klopp and his recruitment team to opt for a diversion.