Addressing his Liverpool squad in Pittsburgh for the first time after replacing Jurgen Klopp, Arne Slot made it immediately clear he expected trophies, not transition, this season.
It was bold not to offer excuses taking over from a legend. Eight months later, tangible reward in terms of hard silverware could arrive today in the form of the Carabao Cup at Wembley.
Andy Robertson, part of the great Klopp side that won the Premier League and Champions League, remembers heading to America to start work with his new manager on Liverpool's pre-season tour.