Somewhere at Aston Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground, news that Jurgen Klopp had extended his stay at Anfield would have been met with a wry smile.
Not because Steven Gerrard has anything other than his eyes fixed firmly on Aston Villa, you understand. But Villa’s boss would have known full well that the reveal would have put to bed thoughts that Liverpool minus Jurgen equals Stevie G.
Given the quality of his squad, their age profile and potential, Klopp may well have created a dynasty by the time he leaves in 2026. Quite where Villa’s boss will be by then is anyone’s guess.