Is Ralf building the foundation for success?

Ralf Rangnick was under no illusions about the size of the task in this respect when becoming interim manager and, with a rare chance to pause for breath afforded by an international break, it is worth looking at some of the fundamental signs that progress is being made.

Sitting in a top-four place as we approach February is an obvious reason for positivity, following the weekend's results, but there are more reasons for optimism.

Firstly, the German pledged to have a close look at the players at his disposal, which is a useful exercise for any coach.

Some 31 Reds have obtained minutes since Ralf took charge, including a pair of Academy rookies in Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage, in a…