“Most of the tickets for these matches were sold through Adidas outlets rather than the traditional route of selling through ticket agencies. We also used Carlsberg and other retail outlets.

“That meant people from all over Asia could access tickets. It was great for the fans and great for the partners.

“We also attracted local sponsors with the likes of Tesco, Honda and the tourist authority of Thailand.

“They are taking the opportunity to be associated with Liverpool in this short period. They appreciate the power of our brand with the fans here.”

One major challenge has been ensuring the balance is right between playing and commercial commitments.

With the new Premier League season just four weeks away, every day counts the squad are embarking on early morning and evening sessions over here to avoid the midday heat.

“I’ve been liaising directly with Sammy Lee, who has been liaising directly with Rafa,” Ayre said.

“When they chose when they wanted the players to be training we planned the rest of the itinerary from there. We know how crucial this period is for Rafa and his staff.

"The two games will be great occasions, especially as the promoters of the tour have recreated the Kop end at both stadiums.

“Tickets for those ends sold out immediately so that just shows you the level of excitement which has been building.

“A lot of work has gone into the planning of this tour, but the reward will be when the players run out to packed stadiums in both countries over the next few days."

Dirk Kuyt and Kenny Dalglish are set to coach local youngsters today and that’s just one of a number of events planned.

Ayre believes this tour will leave a lasting legacy.

“We have a knowledge transfer programme at which Rafa will meet coaches from Thailand and Singapore, I will be meeting representatives from the local businesses and the medical team will also be having sessions,” he added.

“We will be running a kids programme with open training sessions to try and show people what we do and how we do it.

"We will also be creating a foundation which we will contribute to and our partners will contribute to.

"The important thing is that when our plane lands back in Liverpool there will still be things going on in our name over here which we can continue to support.”