Fonseca admits that AC Milan had trouble handling one Liverpool player, whom he considers “the most formidable to stop.”…

Fonseca acknowledges that AC Milan struggled to contain one Liverpool player, labeling him as ‘the most challenging to defend against’.

This match may not be the first that comes to mind when recalling Liverpool’s memorable comebacks against AC Milan in the Champions League.

It certainly does not feature the illustrious Rossoneri squad of 2005.

Nor does it evoke the Miracle of Istanbul. However, it proved to be significant in its own right.

Liverpool faced an AC Milan team that seemed to have a significant issue with set-piece defense.

The Merseyside club rendered Christian Pulisic’s early goal in the third minute inconsequential, not primarily due to Arne Slot’s complex tactical strategies or a dazzling individual display reminiscent of Steven Gerrard’s heroics in Turkey two decades prior, but rather through effective set-piece execution and well-timed counterattacks.

If Slot felt any pressure following a surprising home loss to Nottingham Forest, it pales in comparison to the weight resting on Paulo Fonseca’s shoulders.

Milan has managed to secure only one victory in five matches since the appointment of the former Leeds United and West Ham target, who took over from their 2022 Scudetto-winning coach, Stefano Pioli.

Moreover, the alarming nature of their disappointing home performance during a highly anticipated Champions League opener can be attributed as much to Milan’s shortcomings as to Liverpool’s capabilities.

Liverpool triumphed over AC Milan in their Champions League opener. “We faced Liverpool, a formidable team,” Fonseca stated to Sky Italia, as concerns began to mount among the local media.

“We began the match positively. Then, they capitalized on a counterattack and scored two goals from set pieces, which shifted the game and affected our mental composure.”

Liverpool responded swiftly to Pulisic’s early goal, taking a 2-1 advantage into the half-time break with two nearly identical strikes.

The first came from Trent Alexander-Arnold, who delivered a precise cross that Ibrahima Konate headed in. Shortly after, Kostas Tsimikas sent a similar set-piece into a packed penalty area, allowing Virgil van Dijk to rise above a helpless Mike Maignan and score with a header.

“In these types of matches, the finer details are crucial. Mistakes cannot be afforded,” Fonseca remarked with a sigh.

“Liverpool demonstrated that they function as a more cohesive unit than we do. We need to focus on achieving consistency.”

“After conceding the second goal, the team lost its rhythm. It’s challenging.”

Mo Salah excelled in the victory at San Siro. A rapid counter-attack, one of many executed by Liverpool against a Milan side often vulnerable in transition, culminated in Cody Gakpo crossing for Dominik Szoboszlai, who finished from close range in the 67th minute, effectively sealing the match.

However, Mo Salah did not find the net, despite his efforts. Following a lackluster performance against Nottingham Forest and amid ongoing speculation regarding interest from Saudi Arabia, this was the Salah that Liverpool supporters have come to admire.

He struck the crossbar twice in the first half while consistently troubling Theo Hernandez, an impressive attacking full-back who often struggles defensively.

“We continue to make excessive errors,” Fonseca stated, whose initial tenure sparked considerable discussion after a mixed experience in Italy with AS Roma, as reported by Redmen TV on YouTube.

“In one-on-one situations and various phases of play, we have faced significant challenges.

“Especially when trying to contain Salah; limiting his movements is particularly difficult. Players like Salah are among the hardest to manage.”