Liverpool rose to the occasion at Anfield last Sunday with a comprehensive 4-0 victory secured through Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane (two) and Daniel Sturridge.
That the performance looked like a seamless continuation from the form of the previous campaign was a result of the intensity of their pre-season preparations – and the aspect that most pleased the manager.
“The feeling I had was not pride, I was relieved,” Klopp told Sky Sports after being presented with the League Managers Association’s Performance of the Week award.
“Because in pre-season you think a lot about all the things you want to do and the sessions you want to have, and there’s always a point – one or two weeks before the season starts – when you think: ‘Did I miss something?