Thursday 3 August 2017 21:23, UK
From Klopp's new-look strikeforce, to Sturridge's latest setback, what we learned from Liverpool's 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Audi Cup.
Fantastic four?
When the teams were announced ahead of kick-off, all eyes were drawn towards to the Bayern teamsheet, which featured a formidable front four of Franck Ribery, James Rodriguez, Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski.
However, by the time the full-time whistle had sounded in the Allianz Arena it was Liverpool's attacking quarter that had everyone's attention.
Deployed for the very first time together, Mohamed Salah, Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino delivered an early warning to Premier League clubs with a devastating counter-attacking display.
Bayern were made to look distinctly average as their bid for a fourth Audi Cup came up short - whether the Reds' fresh strikeforce can have the same success against their title rivals next term remains to be seen.
Klopp counting on Coutinho
Barcelona may well be interested in signing Coutinho, especially if Neymar leaves the club, but Liverpool's latest outing underlined his importance to Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.
The Brazilian started Tuesday's clash in the No. 10 role and proved to be the fulcrum upon which the Reds' new-look front four set about overpowering Bayern.
Coutinho had a quiet night by his usual standards but played more minutes than Mane, Firmino and Salah - 79 in total - evidence that while Klopp has brought in talent this summer, Coutinho remains his go-to man.
Sturridge setback
You cannot help but feel for Daniel Sturridge. Just when it seemed he had overcome the injuries that had hampered his progression in recent seasons, they have returned with a vengeance.
Such was the cruelty of Sturridge's latest setback that he was not even afforded time to celebrate his sumptuous goal which sealed Liverpool's victory against the reigning Bundesliga champions.
Instead, before his audacious chip had nestled in the back of the Bayern goal, the striker pulled up with a suspected thigh injury before being swiftly substituted.
After the bittersweet reminder of Sturridge's talent - talent that he has been unable to consistently call upon during his Liverpool tenure - Klopp was hopeful his recover would be just as swift.
"The goal was great," the German said. "You could see how fast he is. It's a shame and I hope it's nothing serious."
Mixed bag for Bayern
It's fair to say it's been a mixed bag in pre-season for Bayern Munich. Defeat on penalties to Arsenal was followed by a hammering at the hands of AC Milan.
That was followed by an impressive first-half display that blew Premier League champions Chelsea away in Singapore, before any progress from that win was lost when Inter Milan replicated what their city-rivals had managed and beat the Germans in 90 minutes.
Back from their travels in the Far East, and in front of an expectant home crowd, Bayern had the chance to draw a line under their inconsistencies on a rain-soaked night in Bavaria.
However, another heavy defeat just goes to show that while dominant domestically, Carlo Ancelotti has work to do again to regain Bayern's spot at the top of European football.
