There was a glint in Jurgen Klopp's eye, the kind you would expect a batsman to have when he spies a short ball that needs dispatching through the covers.
He had spotted the question early – 'would you ever have regrets about not managing Real Madrid in his career?' – and was ready to have some fun. In recent months, such an inquiry would have received brusque short-shrift but, this time, Klopp was ready to engage.
'When I came out of the plane, I regret already that I don't live here!' said Klopp, after he had finished laughing.