Liverpool’s pre-season tour ended in shock and disappointment as the Reds suffered a 2-4 defeat to AC Milan in their Hong Kong friendly, raising serious questions about the team’s readiness for the upcoming Premier League season. While Arne Slot has urged calm, one man who isn’t holding back is former Manchester United defender and pundit Gary Neville, who brutally assessed the team’s performance and called out several players for what he described as a “flop display.
Speaking after the match, Neville didn’t mince his words:
“With what I saw them play against AC Milan, I can say that a couple of Liverpool players are not ready for the coming season. I think it only gets worse from here if they don’t wake up fast.”
The comments have sent shockwaves across the football world, especially among Liverpool supporters who are still coming to terms with the loss. The game exposed glaring weaknesses in the squad, particularly in defense and midfield. Despite scoring twice, the Reds struggled to control the match and were punished repeatedly on the counterattack by a clinical Milan side.
Neville pointed out that while pre-season results don’t always paint the full picture, the lack of cohesion and intensity in Liverpool’s performance was alarming:
“Pre-season is meant to build rhythm and confidence. Instead, what I saw was a team with too many gaps, too many players lacking sharpness, and some who simply don’t look ready for Premier League-level intensity.”
One of the major concerns was Liverpool’s backline, which looked shaky under pressure. AC Milan’s attackers found it far too easy to slice through the defense, raising doubts about whether the team has addressed last season’s defensive inconsistencies. The midfield, despite heavy investment in recent years, also struggled to control the tempo of the game, leaving fans frustrated.
Neville further suggested that Arne Slot may have a bigger challenge on his hands than many anticipated after taking over from Jurgen Klopp:
“Replacing Klopp was always going to be hard, but what I saw tells me this team needs more than just a new manager. Slot has to find solutions quickly because if this is how they start the season, they’ll be chasing from day one.”
Fans have echoed Neville’s concerns on social media, with many questioning whether the current squad has what it takes to compete for the title. Some even called the defeat a “wake-up call” for the club’s hierarchy to strengthen in the transfer market before the Premier League kicks off.
Despite the criticism, there were a few bright spots, with some young players showing promise. However, Neville insists that potential alone will not win matches:
“You can’t depend on potential in the Premier League. You need players who are battle-ready now. Too many in that Liverpool team looked off the pace, and that’s a big worry.”
As the countdown to the new season continues, Liverpool’s next friendly has suddenly become more significant than ever. The Reds need to show a response, prove they can tighten up defensively, and find the sharpness Neville claims is missing.
Are Liverpool really ready for the Premier League? That’s the question on everyone’s mind right now. Neville’s brutal assessment has only amplified the pressure on Arne Slot and his players.
For now, all eyes are on Anfield. Will Slot’s men prove the doubters wrong, or will Neville’s warning turn into a harsh reality when the season begins? One thing is clear – Liverpool cannot afford another performance like the one in Hong Kong.
