AC Milan defeat: Will Liverpool struggle despite their star-studded squad?

Liverpool’s pre-season loss to AC Milan in Hong Kong has raised urgent questions about whether a glittering roster is enough to shield them from tactical frailties and squad instability. Let’s deeply analyze the full context and implications of today’s 4–2 defeat.

Star-Studded Lineup, Sobering Reality

Liverpool fielded an array of new signings—Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitiké, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong—alongside established stars like Mo Salah, Sadio Mané, and Dominik Szoboszlai. Wirtz made his first public start for club. Yet despite these high-profile names, the team struggled to impose coherence or sustain pressure during key phases (turn0news34, turn0news28).

Milan’s Rafael Leão and Noah Okafor repeatedly destabilized Liverpool’s backline. Szoboszlai briefly restored parity, and Cody Gakpo added a late consolation, but the Reds never recovered momentum. That Milan scored four times despite playing in friendly conditions underscores deeper issue.

Defensive Vulnerabilities Amplified

The defensive performance was deeply concerning. Liverpool arrived without key squad members: Luis Díaz (due to transfer speculation), Darwin Núñez (precautionary injury), Joe Gomez (Achilles), and Wataru Endo (illness). Despite manager Arne Slot’s assertion of confidence in options off the bench, the misplacement by Kostas Tsimikas for Milan’s late goal highlighted poor defensive substitution and lack of chemistry.

With the center-back roster already thinning, the lack of coordinated defensive structure points to risks in coming competitive fixtures.

Midfield Misfires: Links Missing Despite Talent

Despite a talented midfield core—Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch—Liverpool failed to control transitions or limit Milan’s rapid breaks. Rafael Leão thrived behind the lines, unchallenged, while Liverpool’s midfield appeared hesitant to press or retreat in balance. Milan’s utilization of Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah contributed to fluid attacking dynamics that unsettled the Reds.

This raises questions about tactical clarity and whether the newly-arrived squad understands Slot’s midfield expectations.

Attacking Firepower But Lacking Rhythm

With stalwarts like Salah, Gakpo, and newcomers like Wirtz in the lineup, attacking potential is undeniable. Yet the actual output was sparse. Szoboszlai scored, but neither Wirtz nor Salah made meaningful impact. Gakpo’s goal came in stoppage time, after Liverpool had already lost control. As a performance debut, this was muted.

The implication: star quality may only be effective when systemic coherence exists—something currently missing.

Leadership at a Pivot Point

Liverpool honored the late Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva before the match, unveiling “Forever 20” tributes and receiving homage from club legends like Kenny Dalglish (turn0news35, turn0news30). Emotionally charged, yes—but the sense of unity also points to a leadership vacuum on the pitch. With veteran voices like Henderson no longer around, emerging stars must embody standards to help integrate new signings and guide younger players.

Tactical Transition Under Slot: Growing Pains Emerge

Arne Slot aims to implement a patient, possession-based approach—a shift from Klopp’s frenetic press. In theory, Liverpool’s new-look build-up should offer clarity. Yet Milan’s quick counters exposed the team’s inability to maintain shape as transitions broke down. Rapid breaks and lack of defensive cover—especially when Diaz and Nunez were absent—suggest systemic instability rather than isolated errors.

Transfer Turmoil and Squad Flux

Significant player off-field instability cast a shadow. Slot confirmed that Luis Díaz was omitted due to transfer speculation, while Darwin Núñez missed the game due to minor injury and likely departure. These absences disrupt continuity and erode internal competition (turn0news31, turn0news33).

Milan’s victory, with full squad available, contrasts sharply with Liverpool’s juggling of incomplete lineups. That imbalance potentially masked better integration progress.

Is This Loss a Warning Sign for the Competitive Season?

Pre-season defeats are typically low stakes—but this one landed with credibility. Milan arrived fresh from a narrow loss to Arsenal and defeated Liverpool with cohesiveness and intent. Slot conceded his side was “too open” and lacked defensive stability under pressure (turn0news28).

With Premier League title defense looming from August 15, Liverpool face a tough opening schedule. If these structural gaps remain, season momentum may slip before it truly begins.

Full-time in Hong Kong. pic.twitter.com/oMHL63CcPL

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 26, 2025

What Needs to Change Before Competitions Begin

1. Strengthen Defensive Depth – Urgent need for center-back reinforcements or midfielders who can support without dragging back the front shape.

2. Stabilize Transfer Decisions – Resolving player exits early will aid integration of new signings and reduce tactical disruption.

3. Push Tactical Cohesion – Wirtz, Kerkez, Frimpong and others must align with midfield-pass triggers and pressing triggers in training.

4. Empower Leadership on the Pitch – Van Dijk, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai must command presence and guide transition from pre-season to competitive focus.

Talent Everywhere, But Team Identity Still in Development

Despite an elite roster, Liverpool’s 4–2 loss to AC Milan reveals more than a single friendly setback—it underscores underlying issues in strategy, depth, identity, and consistency. Without early corrections in setup, leadership direction, and integration of incoming talent, their “star-studded” cast may quickly unravel when real competition begins.

Liverpool still possess immense quality—but it’s timely to ask: can Slot align it into a championship-capable team before the Premier League whistle blows?