Paulo Fonseca cited a lack of “psychological steadiness” that contributed to Milan beginning their Champions League marketing campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Tuesday.
Milan made a flying begin when Christian Pulisic netted after two minutes and 47 seconds, the earliest the Serie A facet had scored within the competitors since Alexandre Pato’s purpose towards Barcelona in 2011 (24 seconds).
However two headers from Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, each from set-pieces, gave the guests the lead earlier than Dominik Szoboszlai sealed the victory after the break.
Liverpool dominated proceedings after their early setback, registering 23 photographs on purpose, 11 of which had been on course in comparison with Milan’s eight and two.
Arne Slot’s facet ended the competition with an anticipated objectives (xG) complete of three.09, whereas Milan may solely muster a tally of 0.61 from their makes an attempt on purpose.
Forward of kick-off, Fonseca expressed the significance of being defensively good towards the Reds, however upon Espen Eskas’ full-time whistle, the Milan head coach was left livid together with his facet’s show.
“We performed towards Liverpool, who’re an enormous workforce,” Fonseca started.
“We began properly, each attacking and defending, however then we conceded two objectives from set performs that modified the sport.
“We misplaced our psychological steadiness as a result of when the workforce lacks confidence, we develop issues and don’t do what we ready in coaching.
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“I instructed the gamers, you can not make these errors in this sort of sport.
“On the identical time, I’ve to confess Liverpool are extra of a workforce proper now than we’re, we have to maintain working to haven’t 20 good minutes, however 70, 80, 90 minutes taking part in our soccer.
“After we conceded the second purpose, the workforce stopped taking part in, and it turned troublesome after that.”
Milan’s hazard man Rafael Leao additionally endured a quiet night, regardless of finishing extra dribbles (5) than anybody through the fixture.
The Portugal worldwide misplaced possession 15 instances, probably the most within the Milan facet, with Trent Alexander-Arnold popping out on high of their respective duels.
Fonseca reiterated his sport plan was for Leao to assault Alexander-Arnold however lamented the shortage of service supplied to the winger by his midfielders.
“It was one thing we ready within the little time that we had, attempt to put Leao towards their right-back,” he stated.
“We did it a few times within the match. What we ready was to ship Rafa one-on-one towards him and we hardly did it.”
