Arne Slot only needed to glance a few yards to his left at his opposite number on the touchline at Old Trafford on Sunday to remind himself it is far from easy to impose an identity on a new team.
From a distance, this pair have a lot in common: two bald Dutchmen who came to England with glowing coaching references after excelling in the Netherlands.
But Slot has achieved in three weeks what Erik ten Hag has failed to do in three seasons. Already, Slot's philosophies and plans are clear, and Liverpool look a well-coached unit, ready to succeed.