There is no gentle introduction for Andoni Iraola at Liverpool. No soft home fixture against a newly promoted side with a nice cup of tea and a biscuit to ease him in. Instead, the new Liverpool head coach gets thrown straight into the deep end with a trip to St James' Park to face Newcastle United on the opening Super Sunday of the new Premier League season, live on Sky Sports. Welcome to the job, mate.
It is actually a fascinating way to begin what is bound to be a closely watched new chapter at Anfield. Iraola built serious respect during his time at Bournemouth, turning them into a well-organised, high-energy side that punched well above their weight. Liverpool are obviously a completely different beast in terms of expectation and squad quality, but the principles that made him stand out should translate well at a club that demands attacking, pressing football.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are no pushover. Eddie Howe has built something genuine at St James' Park and their home support is among the most electric in the country. It is a proper atmosphere to walk into on your first day in charge of one of the biggest clubs in the world. The Toon Army will fancy their chances of making life uncomfortable for Iraola right from the off, and there is every reason to think they can.
From a neutral perspective, and yes even from a Manchester United fan's perspective who would quite happily see Liverpool slip up early, this is a genuinely exciting fixture to open the season. Two teams with ambitious managers, both believing they can challenge near the top of the table, going head to head before most people have even finished arguing about their Fantasy Football teams.
Iraola needs a result here to set the tone. Lose this one on live television and the pressure merchants will already be sharpening their keyboards. Win it and suddenly the whole narrative around Liverpool's new era looks very different indeed. No pressure, Andoni.
Let me know your thoughts.