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Liverpool 2-4 Milan: Counter Attack Decide
Match report as Liverpool suffer 4-2 loss to AC Milan in pre-season friendly in Hong Kong; Reds concede three goals on counter-attack as Rafael Leao, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Noah Okafor all scored; Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo hit Liverpool’s goals before Okafor added fourth for Milan
Liverpool conceded three counter-attack goals in a 4-2 pre-season friendly defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong.
The Premier League champions were constantly hit on the break by the Serie A side, with Rafael Leao, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Noah Okafor all taking full advantage of Liverpool’s vulnerability.
Reds boss Arne Slot fielded experimental backlines in both halves as Ryan Gravenberch started alongside Virgil van Dijk, who could not stop Leao’s cracking breakaway opener in the 10th minute.
Who played for Liverpool?
Liverpool starting XI: Alisson; Stephenson, Van Dijk, Gravenberch, Robertson; Morton, Szoboszlai, Elliott; Salah, Wirtz, Ngumoha.
Liverpool second-half XI: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Tsmikas, Kerkez; Jones, Gravenberch, Nyoni; Frimpong, Gakpo, Doak.
But Liverpool were level 16 minutes later through Dominik Szoboszlai’s piece of magic as he clipped a stunning equaliser into the top corner.
British-record £116m summer signing Florian Wirtz, operating in a false nine role, and 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who caused Milan problems on the left, impressed in the first half.
Gravenberch was the only starting player to remain on the pitch for the start of the second half as Slot rang the changes, but his side were caught cold on the break once again as Leao burst free to set up Loftus-Cheek for a low finish.
Just seven minutes later, Milan’s Alexis Saelemaekers exposed Liverpool again to tee up Okafor for a clinical first-time sweeping finish.
Cody Gakpo gave Liverpool slim hope of a dramatic comeback with a fine 93rd-minute stoppage-time header from Ibrahima Konate’s cross.
But just a minute later, a calamitous mix-up between new goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and defender Kostas Tsimikas allowed Okafor to easily roll home into an empty net and inflict Liverpool’s first loss this summer.
Liverpool’s pre-season continues with a trip to Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan on Wednesday (11.30am UK time).
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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