Liverpool 2-4 AC Milan: Reds concede three counter-attack goals in pre-season defeat in Hong Kong

Liverpool conceded three counter-attack goals in a 4-2 pre-season friendly defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong.

The Premier League champions were constantly hit on the break by the Serie A side, with Rafael Leao, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Noah Okafor all taking full advantage of Liverpool’s vulnerability.

Reds boss Arne Slot fielded experimental backlines in both halves as Ryan Gravenberch started alongside Virgil van Dijk, who could not stop Leao’s cracking breakaway opener in the 10th minute.

Who played for Liverpool?

Liverpool starting XI: Alisson; Stephenson, Van Dijk, Gravenberch, Robertson; Morton, Szoboszlai, Elliott; Salah, Wirtz, Ngumoha.

Liverpool second-half XI: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Tsmikas, Kerkez; Jones, Gravenberch, Nyoni; Frimpong, Gakpo, Doak.

Diaz and Nunez not in squad

Liverpool boss Arne Slot revealed Luis Diaz was left out of the squad to face AC Milan due to transfer speculation, but that Darwin Nunez was absent due to injury.

Sky Sports News reported on Friday that Bayern Munich are back in contact with Liverpool over a deal for Diaz, while some reports have claimed Nunez is a target for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.

But Liverpool were level 16 minutes later through Dominik Szoboszlai’s piece of magic as he clipped a stunning equaliser into the top corner.

British-record £116m summer signing Florian Wirtz, operating in a false nine role, and 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who caused Milan problems on the left, impressed in the first half.

Gravenberch was the only starting player to remain on the pitch for the start of the second half as Slot rang the changes, but his side were caught cold on the break once again as Leao burst free to set up Loftus-Cheek for a low finish.

Image: AC Milan’s Rafael Leao dedicated his opening goal to Portugal team-mate and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who died earlier this month

Just seven minutes later, Milan’s Alexis Saelemaekers exposed Liverpool again to tee up Okafor for a clinical first-time sweeping finish.

Cody Gakpo gave Liverpool slim hope of a dramatic comeback with a fine 93rd-minute stoppage-time header from Ibrahima Konate’s cross.

But just a minute later, a calamitous mix-up between new goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and defender Kostas Tsimikas allowed Okafor to easily roll home into an empty net and inflict Liverpool’s first loss this summer.

Liverpool’s pre-season continues with a trip to Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan on Wednesday (11.30am UK time).

Tributes paid to Jota on and off the pitch

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Before kick-off, Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish laid a wreath in memory of Diogo Jota as fans behind the goal held up a ‘DJ20’ mosaic in honour of Jota, who died in a car crash along with his brother Andre Silva in Spain earlier this month.

Liverpool players had a “Forever 20” emblem – referencing Jota’s now-retired shirt number – printed on their shirts, which will be the case for the rest of the season.

The club also announced that a permanent tribute will be created at Anfield to remember Jota and Silva.

During the game, Jota’s Portugal team-mate Leao dedicated his opening goal to him as he made the number 20 with his fingers.

Then in the 20th minute, a minute’s applause took place around the Kai Tak Stadium in honour of Jota.

Gomez leaves pre-season tour due to injury

Liverpool were without Joe Gomez against AC Milan after the defender returned to England for treatment on an Achilles problem.

Slot told the Liverpool website ahead of Saturday’s friendly: “He was, of course, with us for the first part of the week, but he had some Achilles problems.

“We thought it was better to assess it back in England and for him to work on him(self) to come back to the team, probably in more ideal circumstances for him than to be part of the group that every time goes out.

“So, we decided to let him go back to England. But we hope and expect to have him back soon.”

Slot refuses to rule out more transfer activity

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arne Slot confirmed that he was happy with the Reds’ transfer business already this summer, but emphasised the importance of strengthening the squad ahead of their Premier League title defence.

“I think what I’ve also said is I’m really happy with the squad we had. That’s what we also showed by not bringing in new players last season.

“Now we won the league, but you can see everywhere around us – in the Premier League but also we play in Europe so we want to achieve things there as well – that all of these teams try to strengthen their squads.

“So, if you do the same as we did last year we will probably not be able to win it again. So, we have to improve – the players that are still here and we’ve tried to bring new energy in but also ‘weapons’.

“I think the players we’ve brought in have shown already in the few times we have trained together and the games we’ve played. Really pleased what we did until now.”

Slot and Elliott praise teenager Nguhoma

Liverpool boss Slot speaking to LFC TV on the performance of teenager Rio Nguhoma:

“The good thing for him was that he’s a young player, but I could play him in his usual position.

“He was a big threat. Lost the ball once in the first half, which led to a counter-attack, but he had some great moments after.”

Harvey Elliott added: “He’s fearless. I think he showed that today against AC Milan, one of Europe’s big teams. He just looked like a kid in the park.

“He just needs to carry on like this, and we’re trying as much as we can to help him out.

“If he keeps on performing as well as he is and working as hard as he is, the kid’s got an amazing future, and I’m really excited to see where things go.

“There’s not many 16 or 17-year-olds in the team. He’s in it because he’s incredible, and he’s able to handle himself as he showed today.”

What’s next for Liverpool?

Wednesday: Yokohama F. Marinos – Nissan Stadium, Yokohama, 11.30am

August 4: Athletic Club (double header) – Anfield, kick off 5pm and 8pm

August 10: Crystal Palace (Community Shield) – Wembley, kick-off 3pm

August 15: Bournemouth (Premier League) – Anfield, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports

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