Arne Slot’s Liverpool commenced their pre-season tour in Asia with a disappointing performance, suffering a 4-2 loss to AC Milan.
The Liverpool players Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo managed to score, while Rafael Leao, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Noah Okafor (who scored twice) found the net for the opposition.
Following their Premier League title victory in the 2024/25 season, the Reds have displayed no indications of diminishing momentum.
New signings Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez have joined the squad as they aim to maintain their position as champions of England.
Although it was just pre-season and the result isn’t – in the grand scheme of things, at least – the end of the world, what were the takeaways for the reigning Premier League champions? From squad frailties to young talents showing their worth, here are four things learnt from Liverpool’s 4-2 loss to AC Milan.
Given that Jarell Quansah has been sold to Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen and Joe Gomez is injured once more, Slot would be prudent to seek a new central defender in the market.
Gomez traveled to Asia but has since returned to the AXA Training Centre for treatment, raising concerns due to his recurring injuries.
Additionally, considering the uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s future at Anfield, especially with Real Madrid expressing interest in acquiring the Frenchman, it would be unwise for Slot to commence the new campaign without exploring the market.
In fact, during the match against AC Milan, Ryan Gravenberch was compelled to drop back.