Just a few days separate Ronald Koeman and the biggest managerial game of his career.
He’s been in the Copa del Rey final before of course, winning the trophy with Valencia back in 2008, but this Saturday’s showpiece against Athletic Bilbao takes on an almighty significance for the Dutchman.
There has been much to admire about his tenure so far, not least the bravery he’s shown in playing the youngsters when those who have gone before have been far too conservative in this regard.
He’s also steered the club far enough away from the disaster of last season to at least make the 2020/21 campaign an acceptable one, if nothing more as yet.