Liverpool Falls to AC Milan in Pre-Season Loss for Hong Kong

Liverpool suffered a 4-2 defeat against AC Milan in a pre-season friendly held in Hong Kong. The match, played at Kai Tak Stadium, saw the Reds concede three goals on the counter-attack, highlighting areas for improvement as the new season approaches.

Match Summary

AC Milan exploited Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities, with Rafael Leao, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Noah Okafor all finding the net. Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo scored for Liverpool, but it wasn't enough to overcome Milan's clinical finishing. Arne Slot, the new Liverpool manager, used the game to experiment with different lineups, giving playing time to a wide range of players.

Slot's Assessment

Slot acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in defending against counter-attacks. He noted that the absence of several senior players and the rotation of the squad contributed to the team's openness. However, he also saw positive aspects in Liverpool's play.

Diaz and Nunez Absence

Luis Diaz was excluded from the squad due to ongoing transfer rumors, while Darwin Nunez was sidelined with a minor injury. Slot addressed the speculation surrounding Diaz's future, stating that he couldn't provide further details at this time.

Liverpool's Lineups

Liverpool fielded different lineups in each half, giving opportunities to both established players and younger talents. The starting XI included Alisson, Van Dijk, and Szoboszlai, while the second-half lineup featured Konate, Gakpo, and Doak.

Looking Ahead

The pre-season match provided valuable insights for Arne Slot as he prepares Liverpool for the upcoming Premier League campaign. Addressing defensive vulnerabilities and integrating new players will be key priorities in the weeks ahead. The team will continue their pre-season preparations with further friendlies, aiming to fine-tune their tactics and build cohesion.