Arrigo Sacchi has warned AC Milan that Liverpool will be a very tough opponent for them to face even if they have just lost their first game under Arne Slot in rather surprising circumstances.
Liverpool had started the season well under Slot, who arrived from Feyenoord to replace fan favourite and club legend Jurgen Klopp in the summer after the German departed having been there since 2015.
A 2-0 win against Ipswich was followed by another 2-0 win at home to Brentford, then a 3-0 win at Old Trafford against rivals Manchester United really got the excitement brewing.
Things came crashing down on Saturday afternoon though as Nottingham Forest won at Anfield for the first time since February 1969, stunning the Reds thanks to Callum Hudson-Odoi’s curling shot.
Despite that result, Sacchi used his weekly column for La Gazzetta dello Sport to focus on the Champions League and warn the Rossoneri of the dangers that Slot’s team can bring, with his comments translated below.
“I saw Liverpool against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. It is true that they lost at Anfield, but it is also true that before conceding the goal they had at least three clear chances to take the lead,” he began.
“This is to say that it is not a team in disarray or in crisis. If anything, it is right to underline that, after the Jurgen Klopp era, now they need time to metabolise the ideas of the new coach Slot. In terms of quality, however, the English side are very strong and also have considerable physical energy.
“I am curious to see how Fonseca’s Milan will face the Reds. Against Venezia the Rossoneri improved, but you always have to take into account the value of the opponent who was not exceptional. I think it is a very important match, both for Milan and for Liverpool, and also open.
“Let’s see if Leao understands what needs to be done in European football, and if he avoids taking breaks during the match. In the Champions League you can’t isolate yourself on the wing, as sometimes happens to him.
“You always have to be in the action, connected with your team-mates, active in the ball area. If you leave the domination of the game to the opponents, in international matches it’s painful, because everyone has quality players who can find the winning idea.”
Arrigo Sacchi Acmilan is not scared of Liverpool and were ready because we know what needs to be done
He wants Leão to be solid, great defensively, play with teammates. I think he’s side will be a weakness in breaking the press by Liverpool but I wish as Sacchi for Leão to press and defend solidly as we will have less possession and patiently wait for our opportunities.
The first twenty minutes will determine our solidity defensively. Forza Milan
Sure they lost 0-1 but they had 14-5 in shots and 70-30 possesion. Save to say forest played for it with park the bus. We dont know how to do that..
They are just as susceptible to counters as Milan. Leao bombing down Trent’s wing can be just as killer for us – he doesn’t defend well at all.
Same way Royal will see Diaz coming at him.
I really hope the coach comes up with a plan to Neutralize Gravenbech and allow Salah see few balls