Some will be dismissive about the result, but no team wants to lose so heavily on its own ground before the season starts. There were a number of feisty challenges which implied the Germans didn't take kindly to this loss.

Hopes and ambitions have already begun to rise, which might be an opportune moment to emphasise the tide that Jurgen Klopp is trying to turn.

It is eight years since Liverpool allied a good league campaign with European football. The highest points total they've managed while fighting on all fronts since is the measly 63 which got Rafael Benitez fired in 2010.

A lack of European football saw Kenny Dalglish reach two finals and win the Reds' last trophy, in 2012. Brendan Rodgers almost won the league in 2014 while Klopp finished in a healthy fourth place last season, with only six defeats and remaining unbeaten against the other top sides.

For a club of Liverpool's size and wealth, either/or seasons are not good enough and the German now faces an uphill battle to bring back the good times. The great times may have to wait a little while longer.

Back in 2009, Benitez's team was a little more pragmatic but also had great talent throughout the side. Thanks to its style and physical effort, some players were able to face two games a week, with careful rotation accounting for the rest.

Few would expect that from Klopp's team. It's a thrilling, often vibrant style which last season burned brightly during the opening months. They also finished the season well but with little of the gusto they began it.

Clean sheets and defensive discipline were key factors in the Benitez regime. Season 2008-09 was the last time Liverpool conceded fewer than 30 goals in the league.

It appears Klopp is quite a different animal. With the addition of Mohammed Salah, Liverpool have actually increased their attacking options. Against Bayern, he and the excellent Sadio Mane looked unplayable at times. At half time, Klopp brought on Georginio Wijnaldum and Adam Lallana. It felt like a statement about the club's midfield strength and bodes well for a long campaign.

Defence seems far less secure. There are already injuries to Joe Gomez and Nathaniel Clyne, although Trent Alexander-Arnold clearly relished his personal battle with Franck Ribery on Tuesday and Alberto Moreno also played surprisingly well. He may yet give Klopp a headache or two after the recent purchase of Hull's Andy Robertson.

For any defence, a well-drilled unit can be more effective than a list of star names. The continuing chase for Southampton's Virgil van Dijk appears to some like Klopp putting his eggs in one extremely expensive basket.

Mohamed Salah, left, and Sadio Mane celebrate after scoring a goal for Liverpool against Bayern Munich. Getty Images

That didn't work out too well with Dejan Lovren three years ago. Mamadou Sakho is still there, although the chances of him playing for Klopp again are virtually zero. Strange things do occur in football but the Frenchman's Anfield resurrection would be one of the strangest.

Fans are disinclined to focus on the negatives though, given the great attacking strength their team clearly possesses. Rodgers' attempt to win the league in 2014 was based on a similar fearlessness. Defence almost didn't seem to matter until it was too late to change.

Tactically, Liverpool will need to be better, especially in the upcoming European campaign -- whichever competition it happens to be. The Bayern result merely emphasised how good Liverpool are against opposition prepared to come at them, something which was already well documented from last season.

The Audi Cup final with Atletico Madrid will be a bigger indication of whether the Reds can meet all challenges. Against Napoli, it was clear Diego Simeone doesn't do friendlies and Liverpool must be prepared for a physical, tactical battle.

Emphasis on preseason results for proof of quality can be futile. Liverpool beat Barcelona 4-0 at this stage last summer, swiftly followed by a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Klopp's old club Mainz.

It'll be difficult to dampen down the optimism after the Bayern win, though. Even the sight of a limping Daniel Sturridge was not a concern, since Klopp has options throughout midfield and attack for all eventualities.

One, preferably two major investments at centre half before Sep.1 would really keep the fans buzzing. The wing combination of Salah and Mane may also lead to calls for a back-up pacey winger to ensure injuries don't hamper what looks like an exciting Liverpool attack during the next gruelling months.

Teams are never the finished article and there is always room for improvement. Liverpool fans know their team can frustrate almost as often as they take the breath away.

The quest for consistency and defensive solidity will go on but recent undeniable improvement has clearly produced a contented mood at Anfield.