But Dalglish knows platitudes - especially from a fellow Glaswegian with whom he has a lot of history - will count for nothing if he cannot maintain the progress shown in the final six months of last season.

In a way, the Scot was in a no-lose situation when he took over team affairs in early January, having witnessed predecessor Roy Hodgson take his beloved club into the relegation zone.

Having inherited an underperforming side lying 12th in the Barclays Premier League, Dalglish used his vast experience and man-management skills to produce an impressive turnaround which only just saw them miss out on Europe.

From late January onwards, Liverpool had the third-best record behind Ferguson's Manchester United and Chelsea - who finished first and second.

His task now is to maintain that over a full season but, in trademark Dalglish style, the Reds manager will not be raising expectations by making any claims about where his team will finish.

Contending for the title may be slightly beyond them, considering the ground they have had to make up in a short space of time, and their primary aim this season will be to regain their top-four spot.

But he has at least had chance to begin assembling the squad he thinks will eventually climb to the top of the table.

Much has been made of some of the prices Liverpool have reportedly paid for players - Stewart Downing at £20million from Aston Villa and £16.5million for Sunderland's Jordan Henderson this summer, and £35million for Andy Carroll in January.

All three England internationals carry a higher premium because of their birthplaces, but Charlie Adam, a Scot, was secured for just £6.75million.

Dalglish knows that in trying to swiftly close the gap with the top teams they may have had to overpay on some players, but the recruitment of Downing, in particular, was seen as essential to provide the team with the natural winger it has been lacking since pre-Rafael Benitez days.

The lack of European football this season does not seem to have been a factor in recruitment either, with the club missing out on Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy as he opted for Manchester City as much for the money as Champions League.

"I've heard people say us not playing in Europe means we won't be an attractive proposition for some players. I disagree," said Dalglish.

"The history and tradition of this club makes us attractive whether we are or aren't involved in European competition.

"If a player thinks otherwise we are better off without him."

Dalglish is, incredibly, the last manager to win the title at Anfield in 1990 before his shock resignation less than a year later.

Since that time Manchester United have overtaken them as England's top club and in May secured their 19th league title which took them clear of Liverpool.

And while Dalglish has no desire to see his future efforts played off against United's, he does accept they are the benchmark.

"It doesn't matter to me what United think. For me, this is the most important football club of all," said the 60-year-old Scot.

"We have to manage expectations here and we will do that.

"But if somebody is setting the level you need to reach to be successful then we have to go past that level. We don't believe we are rubbish.

"We think we have the right mindset to push forward without shouting our mouths off.

"We want to improve on last season and that is what we will set out to do.

"A state of mind does come into it but ability is the biggest factor."