Jurgen Klopp has overseen one of the most illustrious chapters in Liverpool's incredibly history and built a team filled to the brim with superstars and world class talent in the process.
But as the Premier League title looks set to be just out of reach unless results go their way on the final day of the season and Liverpool legend-turned- Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard can topple Manchester City at the Etihad, there will be a tinge of disappointment in the air at Anfield.
That is not to diminish the achievements of this season, a domestic double in the form of the FA and Carabao Cup is nothing to be scoffed at. But if the faint hope of some final day drama eventually comes to nothing, there may be a sense that some of the senior stars could view the Champions League final this month as a fitting last hurrah.
This would be hugely damaging to the preparations of next season and something Klopp will be wary of having recently signed a new deal to keep him at Anfield. Liverpool's ranks are littered with some of the best in the world in their position, at least according to a player that has come up against them as recently as this month.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Emerson Royale was waxed lyrical about some Reds players in a recent interview with the Premier League's YouTube channel, reminding Klopp of the levels of talent he has in his side.
"Fabinho is such a top quality player, he reads the danger well and he snuffs it out. He’s got a real fighting spirit, so for me, it’s Fabinho," Emerson said when asked which Premier League midfielder would make his ultimate 5-a-side team.
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While he was incredibly complimentary of his fellow Brazilian, Royale also had some kinds words to pay to another Liverpool star - one that has been the subject of some rumours suggesting an Anfield exit could soon be on the horizon.
Asked who the toughest opponent he has ever faced is, Emerson explained: "Sadio Mane. He’s so fast, so quick, strong and skilful. It’s not often you get a player like that with so much strength, speed and skill."
So much has been made of Mohamed Salah's contract nearing its expiration, the fact that Mane's deal runs out at the exact same time has seemingly gone under the radar - potentially to the frustration of the Senegal international, who is the subject of speculation surrounding his own future.
Mane is so essential to Klopp's side, as exhibited by his 15 Premier League goals this term alongside five on course to the Champions League final. It seems unthinkable that Liverpool would sanction his departure without putting up much of a fight - but the rumours continue to linger.
Both Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-German have reportedly registered an interest in the 30-year-old, who could be tempted into trying pastures new if the Reds carry on viewing Salah's contract extension as the only priority that needs sorting.
Mane has been an incredible servant to Liverpool since he arrived from Southampton for the bargain fee of £30million, but if he were to leave in the summer - the last chance the Reds would have to get any cash for him, it could have serious damaging knock-on effects to the Reds plans for next season.
Emerson's assessment of Mane's ability tells Klopp all he needs to know - and letting him walk through the door would be a serious managerial mistake he will no doubt want to avoid.
