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With the Champions League knock-out phase play-off draw also scheduled to get underway at 11am, the Reds’ future European exploits were firmly on minds.

Yet, in truth, proceedings in Nyon would teach us little more with Liverpool already knowing their four possible round-of-16 opponents following the conclusion of the league phase in midweek.

Rather, it was a decision made looking months rather than days ahead in what was a rare sign of the Dutchman not only taking things one game at a time.

“The ones that stayed behind, they didn’t rest in the sense that they had three or four days off – they did train but they didn’t play a game,” he said.

So, hopefully that will help them stay fresh for the upcoming months.”

But while the Champions League was only mentioned in brief passing, sporting director Richard Hughes was inevitably name-dropped frequently throughout, given he joined Liverpool in the summer from Saturday’s visitors.

“They have beaten so many strong teams and there is a simple reason for that: a lot of quality,” Slot said.

“Created by Richard [Hughes], of course, our current sporting director who worked there for a few years.

The Reds’ sporting director faces a busy few days, weeks and months ahead.

After Slot’s press conference drew to a close, word that “Man City have got Real Madrid!” in the Champions League knockout phase play-offs quickly spread around the AXA Training Centre media room.

A big test for the champions, but Liverpool also boast the luxury of putting the Champions League on hiatus for a number of weeks yet as they try to wrestle the crown from Pep Guardiola's men.

Slot can simply go back to taking things one game at a time

The Reds head coach remains fully focused on all things on the pitch, starting with Bournemouth on Saturday and trying to mastermind another Liverpool win.