Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has insisted his side are not afraid of Italian giants AC Milan ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash at San Siro, rather respect is the mantra.
The Slot era seemed like it was going to be an eye-catching one, as the Reds began the campaign with three straight Premier League wins without conceding a goal, but last week’s stunning loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield has punctured the momentum.
With a pursuit for a seventh European title on the horizon, Liverpool’s first mountain are seven-time winners Milan whom they first face in the revamped Champions League format.
“I don’t think any manager is scared to play the other team but we have a lot of respect for AC Milan,” Slot spoke to reporters ahead of Tuesday’s game.
“They have quality, we’re not scared, but we respect all their players. They have shown that they are in good form, with a very good 4-0 win (against Venezia in Serie A on Saturday).
“Scared is not the word we would use. We respect a lot.”
Liverpool’s new signing Federico Chiesa is unlikely to start in the game, Slot admitted while lauding the Italy forward.
Chiesa is yet to feature for the Merseyside outfit, following his transfer in the just-closed window from Italian side Juventus.
“Why we brought him… I bring in quality players and I believe he is. Combines quality with work rate and the culture of this club, this team, he brings that with combinations of several positions,” the Dutchman added.
“He is with the team, and since I said it is the first time he is here, it would be a big surprise if he starts tomorrow… But he will make some minutes if we need him.
“He’s had some training time and too early to play 90 minutes, but hopefully some minutes in the upcoming fixtures.”
