Confidence is one of those intangibles in life, which has no middle ground. When you are at your peak level, you feel untouchable and think nothing can stop the momentum.
Conversely, when things are tough, it feels like the end of the world and things feel like they will never turn around in your favour.
Football clubs are certainly not immune to a 'crisis of confidence' and once it gets a foothold, you need everyone playing their part to help turn things around.
The mid part of this decade saw Liverpool in a malaise that they were struggling to get out of. The aftermath from the failed title run of 2013/4 hit the Reds like no one could imagine.
No matter which signings were made, or what tactics were altered, nothing seemed to click. This meant that the club was in a holding pattern with no signs of improvement on the horizon.
While the squad had some talent, it was clear that they were not being used in the right fashion and were not responding to those in charge. 14 months of footballing misery came to a head when a change of management was made.
From the first moment that the affable German Jurgen Klopp walked through the front doors at the Melwood complex, a bit of sun began to peak through from the dark clouds that had been hovering over the club.
While his introductory press conference offered no timeline of success, a sense of self-confidence was noticeable. He was also seen as someone who spoke the language that the common fan could relate to, rather than use bland cliches and empty promises.
While results were going to be important in the early part of the German's reign, arguably his biggest job was to boost the spirits of the talented but greatly underperforming and disheartened playing group.
Results were naturally hit-and-miss in the early stages, a clear statement of intent away to Manchester City, was soon followed by a sobering reality check against Newcastle.
That pattern continued for much of that season, but the growing spirit amongst the squad was evident such as the crazy 5-4 game at Carrow Road where the team composed themselves from being 3-1 down to claim the three points courtesy of a Adam Lallana goal with the last kick of the game.
The spirit was enhanced by an engaging Europa League run which led to an improbable berth in the final. While that game led to more heartbreak, no fan would forget where they were when the Reds produced another thrilling comeback performance against Dortmund in the quarter-finals and a mature one against Villarreal in the semis.
Having improved the morale no end, Klopp now needed to work on the overall consistency of the teams' performance.
For as long as you could remember, smaller teams were able to put nine or ten men behind the ball and stifle the life out of the attacking threat that Liverpool had whether they were playing at Anfield or indeed on their home turf. They certainly were basic tactics but were a proven success.
At the end of last season when results against stubborn opposition were required to seal a top-four berth, we finally saw the grit and resilience needed to overcome those previous failures and achieve the main goal.
Turning to the current day, and the confidence that was so lacking two and a half years ago is now approaching unprecedented levels.
From the outside, the team unity amongst the squad seems to be outstanding. When Philippe Coutinho was sold in January, the doomsayers were out in force thinking that the bottom would fall out of the club once again.
However, under the stewardship of the German, the Reds are made from much greater substance.
He has made some big calls this season such as keeping full faith in Trent Alexander-Arnold when there were calls to take him out of the firing line and that decision has certainly paid dividends.
He has emboldened Andrew Robertson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to play with their instinct and take the game on, and both have been richly rewarded for their ability to do so.
He has put full faith in his fellow German Loris Karius after alternating between him and Simon Mignolet between the sticks for the first half of this season and Karius has delivered with some fine performances.
According to some, the days of James Milner as a midfielder were as good as done. However Klopp had other ideas and put his faith in the veteran to prove the doubters wrong. Ever the pro, Milner has delivered in spades. So much so, that there have calls for the veteran to reverse his decision of international retirement.
When you have a glance at the last team sheet of the Brendan Rodgers tenure on the fourth of October of 2015, you realise the true evolution that Klopp has overseen in his tenure.
However, it should be remembered we are still a side with a fair bit of improvement in us, which having seen the progress we have already made is a pretty exciting realisation.
Liverpool have signed some incredible players in their history, but in time when we look back at the appointment of Klopp, it may well be viewed as a monumental moment for this great club.
Jason Harris
@JayHarry80
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