Davide Calabria made a dream come true as Milan captain at Anfield, but admits Liverpool are ‘accustomed to a different tempo’ and it took a while to adapt in the Champions League.
The Rossoneri were over-run in the opening half-hour, going a goal down to a deflected Trent Alexander-Arnold effort and seeing Mohamed Salah’s penalty saved by Mike Maignan.
“Liverpool started really strong, you can see they are accustomed to a different tempo and are one of the best teams in the world, with formidable players in every area,” Calabria told Sky Sport Italia.
Nonetheless, Milan were 2-1 up at half-time through Ante Rebic and Brahim Diaz, who found the net just one minute and 48 seconds from each other.
Liverpool won 3-2 with second half Salah and Jordan Henderson strikes.
“It was a difficult match and almost like several games in one. We didn’t feel afraid, we were just struggling to get a grip on the situation. We did and turned the game around, but made mistakes and should’ve been more concentrated to avoid conceding those two goals,” continued Calabria.
There are positives for the Rossoneri to build on and Calabria sees the glass half-full.
“In an atmosphere like this, the first time Milan were in the Champions League for seven years and the first time many of us were in the Champions League, against one of the best teams in the world, I’d say we did really well to turn it around and score two goals here.
“We have to build on the positives, it’s only natural we’d struggle at times. Once we found our tempo, we managed to hurt them.”
Calabria wore the captain’s armband this evening and walked Milan out for their first ever competitive match at Anfield.
“It was the dream of every child, especially for me, to lead the team out in this theatre of football. It’s a pity about the result, but we hope to have more chances to prove ourselves this season.”
Calabria a Sky: “Il Liverpool tra la squadre più forti al mondo, l’esordio in Champions da capitano un orgoglio” https://t.co/TQizwa0jtm
— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) September 15, 2021
In all honesty, calabria was arguably the worst player on the pitch. When he says ‘we’, he is talking about himself. Had a horrendous game!
Kessie was the worst player for me. Was very slow in his distribution
@tryst.
I let kessie off a little because it was his first full match of the season, post playing his first game only a few days ago. Calabria was ok defensively but on the ball he was horrific. Allowed the stage to get the better of him. But we have to go thru tough moments to grow.
The single biggest lesson for Milan is Jordan Henderson. If Milan want to reach Liverpool’s level they need Henderson. A player who is bang average but has been with the club for an extended period, gives the team identity, and can support more talented players. Milan have sold so many Henderson’s over the years and is the reason we struggled so much. Calabria has the potential to be Henderson. He needs to be with the club for the next 10 years. He’ll have bad and good games, but continuity is the single most important thing in football.
IMO Kessie was the worst. He was slow and couldn’t distribute the ball well and hold the tempo. So, does he really deserve the $8 million salary just like what he wanted with that kind of performance?
The answer is a BIG NO!!
Kessie was the worst, he didn’t track back when we being attacked. Calabria wasn’t playing well, but he’s always trying to match Liverpools tempo, not like Kessie
People have been rightly pointing out that Kessie + Calabria were poor but no one mentioned that headless chicken Saelemaekers. The guy is just a younger version of Borini. When we scored the second he show’s the crowd the Champions league badge as if he has won 10 UCL trophies with Milan. In short he is below par, he should at best be a sub for games like Bologna, Samp etc, not starting at Anfield.
Our right side is paralysed, like left side is full chaotic attack with Theo and Leao but right is two bodies with Salemaekers + Calabria it already is not balanced from the start.
For us to have a high impact performance the right should reach the same level as the left we can then have more options in attack evidently but also put more pressure on the opposition.
Also, Daniel Maldini I feel is playing just because of his father. I hate to say that really. They are pushing hard to try and continue the legacy but I’m afraid that this is where at least the continuity of the Maldini generation will stop.
I’ve never seen one moment of brilliance from him. He needs to go.
Though disappointed Milan lost, if that stupid own goal isn’t given and if Milan aren’t caught offside during the corner just after the second half started…lots of ifs. Perhaps next leg, Giroud starts and Ibrahimovic gets brought on to keep the team inspired.