Liverpool’s roaring start to the season came to a hard stop last week as they lost 1-0 at home to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
It doesn’t get any easier for the Reds, however, as the new and expanded Champions League is upon them.
Ahead of their UCL opener, Liverpool’s coach has offered his take on his Italian opponents.
Liverpool “respect” Milan, declares Arne Slot ahead of Champions League opener
Ahead of his first Champions League game as Liverpool coach, Arne Slot had nothing but praise for his first opposition, Milan.
“I don’t know if the translation is correct, but the word ‘scared’ was used. I don’t think any manager is scared to play the other team, but we have a lot of respect for the quality of the players. The first one that comes to mind is a Dutch player Tijjani Reijnders.
“They have quality players and they’ve shown last Saturday, with a 4-0 win, that they’re in good form. We respect Milan a lot.”
Slot talking about the Rossoneri, as quoted by Liverpool.com.
Milan have had an unenviable start to their season, having failed to win any of their first three games.
Their fourth encounter, however, last week’s home fixture against Venezia, saw them leave the pitch as comfortable winners with a 4-0 scoreline.
Milan face Liverpool on the first of the three days allocated for the first match week of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League.
A tricky tie
“Chaos” is the go-to word for all UEFA club competitions this season.
This will make the participating clubs anxious, of course, but it will at least entertain the viewers, for no team really know how many points could secure them what kind of footing in the singular league-phase table.
And, two teams are playing each other only once. Even more comes down to what happens on the day. There will be no second chances, another crack at the opposition.
Liverpool are away from home, against a historically strong opponent coming off a statement win. This will not be easy.
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