Ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp is favourite to replace Brendan Rodgers as manager of Liverpool
But Liverpool's owners had decided his fate in advance, surmising the international break provides sufficient time to bed a new boss in.
Klopp has been enjoying a sabbatical since losing the German Cup final to Wolfsburg in May, but his shadow has stalked European football in that period.
Usually the preserve of university lecturers fancying some time off to pen their masterpiece, sabbaticals for elite football managers seem only to enhance a reputation. Absence makes the allure grow stronger.
And Klopp at Anfield looks a good fit. At Dortmund, he lifted up a club once winners of the European Cup to challenge again for domestic and continental titles, establishing a vibrant, distinctive style adored by supporters.
The similarities with Liverpool are easily recognisable – like Dortmund, Liverpool is a predominantly working-class city of industry – and you can picture in Technicolor the images dancing in the minds of the club's powerbrokers.
At 48, he is young enough to build a legacy.
As memorable as Dortmund's rock n' roll approach on the pitch was Klopp's unorthodox, compelling attitude to public addresses, laced with humour and clear-thinking.
Take this on the challenge of dealing with a behemoth Bundesliga rival: 'We have a bow and arrow and if we aim well, we can hit the target. The problem is that Bayern has a bazooka.'
Or this on defender Mats Hummels suffering a lengthy injury lay-off: 'We will wait for him like a good wife waiting for her husband who is in jail.'
Or this on Arsene Wenger, tantalising for a potential Premier League contest: 'He likes having the ball, playing football, passes. It's like an orchestra. But it's a silent song. I like heavy metal.'
Translated, Klopp instructed his players to press aggressively, hunting to win back balls then springing furious attacks. In a 4-2-3-1 system, technique was high and passes were fast.
There are many more inventive soundbites to bring a smile but the purpose is not purely comedic. Exuding charisma engenders support for football theory among players. It is easier to convince of tactics if the argument is delivered with flashes of imagination.
Klopp celebrates after winning the Bundesliga with Dortmund in 2012, his second successive league title
Roy Keane revealed one of his favourite teamtalks from Sir Alex Ferguson involved just three words: 'Lads, it's Tottenham.' The inference being Manchester United would overwhelm the opponents as usual.
There is a similar story from Klopp who, after a poor opening 45 minutes, used half-time to tell his players: 'Since we're here anyway, we might actually play a bit of football.'
Rodgers was capable of turning a phrase too, but often there seemed a formula attached. Players grow tired if everything seems drawn from a manual. Klopp brings freshness.
That is not to say he is happy-go-lucky. According to German journalists, his tongue can flicker with fury and press conference dressing downs are 'legendary'.
At 6ft 4in, his stature can intimidate. Referees are not spared. He is an energetic figure on the touchline, and quick-lipped too.
In March 2014, he was banished to the stands for the eighth time in his managerial career after reportedly being rude on more than one occasion to the referee of Dortmund's match against Borussia Monchengladbach.
Klopp denied wrongdoing but did not appeal a fine which took his cumulative total to €58,000 (£43,000). He has previously apologised for behaviour, such as pushing the peak of his trademark baseball cap into a match official during a verbal barrage, and screaming 'You idiot!' in another game.
Whatever, his style worked. Under his guidance Dortmund rose from 13th to sixth to fifth to back-to-back Bundesliga champions at record-breaking standard.
They stormed the Champions League in 2012-13, topping unbeaten a Group of Death including Manchester City, Ajax and Real Madrid. Their Wembley final loss to Bayern was caused only by Arjen Robben's 89th minute goal.
In that game Klopp was shorn of Mario Gotze, who had already committed to sign for Bayern that summer. 'He's leaving because he's Guardiola's favourite. If it's anyone's fault, it's mine. I can't make myself shorter and learn Spanish,' Klopp said in characteristic fashion.
Bayern's financial might proved a recurring theme and Klopp's ultimate undoing, with Dortmund unable to maintain their form in the face of repeated raids on their best players.
He is expected to meet his prospective Liverpool colleagues this coming week.
