You wrote this! Never I said Jimmy’s out. I said I’d like 22 champions because when I have some problem, I have another champion to put in the squad. For me it doesn’t change anything.

“We played in Zilina four days ago and Jimmy didn’t play. I was sure Jimmy is very powerful before today’s match so I said now you can play and break everything!

“The first match against Liverpool is not easy to play here at Anfield but this victory is very, very important because it gives us a lot of confidence. The first 25 minutes until the goal, Liverpool played some fantastic football, touch and move everybody, and we made too many mistakes because for my players everything is new.

“After the first goal I think Chelsea believed in the victory and showed very good football and after the second penalty was also fantastic character.

“It’s a great start to the season but I said to my players we must continue to work hard because we are not a team. But it is okay, slowly, slowly, it is normal. Because when arrive a lot of players it takes time.

“I was very pleased because both the new and old players showed strong character. They played with heart and soul.”

But why did he play Jesper and Damien on their wrong wings?

“I wanted to cut into their midfield. But I spoke with the two players before and said be careful because I am the tinkerman and I can change everything! They said don’t worry because we are used to playing in this position. Then they score immediately the goal after I changed them.

“Veron is a great champion. Today he showed what he can do!"

When told that JT was voted man-of-the-match, Claudio emphatically replied: “I agree!”