REDS FAR FROM PITCH PERFECT

Playing surface a big issue as Reds beaten by AC Milan, aided by defensive blunder

- By IAN DOYLE Chief LFC Writer

LIVERPOOL'S preseason tour of Asia kicked off with a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on Saturday.

The Reds responded with a sublime Dominik Szoboszlai strike after the Italians had taken the lead through Rafa Leao, but two second-half goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Noah Okafor gave the Rossoneri a commanding lead before Cody Gakpo grabbed a late header.

However, a mix-up between Kostas Tsimikas and new goalkeeper Giorgi Mmaradashvili saw Milan profit and seal the victory that wraps up the Premier League champions' near week in Hong Kong.

Next up for Arne Slot and his players is a jaunt to nearby Japan where they will meet Yokohama F Marinos at the Nissan Stadium.