Leão’s performance was more straightforward in that he produced only glimpses of his best for Paulo Fonseca’s team. The Portugual international has pace and trickery — enough to beat any defender on his day — but there was no final product against Liverpool. On one first-half occasion, Leão ran 40 yards with the ball to excite the crowd, but rather than spot the unmarked runners either side of him, he ran into trouble and lost possession. It summed up his night until a rare flash of his talent when he hit the post in the 96th minute.
Alexander-Arnold had more good contributions than bad, but there is no question that he remains a problem defensively. On more than one occasion, centre-half Konate had to urge his teammate to get back into position after he had wandered into midfield or stayed forward after an attacking move. Had Leão been more aware of his surroundings, he would have targeted the gaps left by Alexander-Arnold and hurt Liverpool, but it didn’t happen.
The England star also wasted possession too often, but he did create Liverpool’s opening goal for Konate with his famed set piece delivery from a free kick.
It is the same as ever with Alexander-Arnold. He’s great at what he’s good at, but his weaknesses can be bad and ugly for Liverpool. — Ogden
Maignan injury could hurt Milan in the long term
The sight of “Magic” Mike Maignan pounding the turf in frustration after picking up an injury in a collision with Fikayo Tomori early in the second half was rough for Milanisti to take, maybe even more than the defeat.
The French goalkeeper, who on three occasions had asked for treatment in the first half, was in visible pain as he exited the pitch. At best, he’s a doubt for the Milan derby this weekend; at worst, we’re talking a longer stay on the sidelines.
It’s worth noting that he had been nursing an issue with his calf in recent days, but assured the team he was ready to play. Had Sportiello, who injured himself in preseason and is likely out until January, been fit, he may well have started. As it turned out, Maignan’s fitness probably didn’t help on either of Liverpool’s set piece goals.
The Champions League is obviously a cash cow for clubs in terms of gate receipts, but obviously, you have to ensure you get those backsides into the seats. — Marcotti
Milan too meek for Zlatan’s liking
They waited, as they usually do, until deep in injury time and then let them have it.
Milan’s players lined up in front of the Curva Sud, ostensibly to thank the club’s black-clad hardcore Ultras fans for their support, but really to let them vent. And vent they did, singing “Let’s see some b—s!” and “We’re sick of this!”
Obviously, no fan is going to be happy with a 3-1 home defeat on the opening day of the new Champions League, but the manner spoke to a more complex issue engulfing the club: the idea that coach Paulo Fonseca is too much of a nice guy, that some players are soft and that there’s a need for a hard man — a “football man” — to bring discipline.
That man, of course, is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is on the board of RedBird, the club’s owners. Nobody doubts that he’s a tough guy and a winner and his arrival in the summer was hailed as a coup. Finally, a former player upstairs who could command everyone’s respect and be a conduit between dressing room, coach, front office and ownership.
Ibrahimovic had been away (“personal reasons,” he said) prior to this match and before kickoff, he went straight into Zlatan mode. Referring to his absence, he said: “When the lion goes away, the cats come out. When the the lion returns, the cats disappear.” He then added: “What’s my role? It’s simple. Plenty of people talk, but I’m in charge. I am the boss and everybody works for me.”
If that’s the case, he’s got his work cut out for him, because Milan have won just one of their first five games this season in all competitions. Time will tell whether he’s the butt-kicking boss who gets everyone onside or whether he’s more like that old “Saturday Night Live” skit. — Marcotti
