A youthful Liverpool side fell to a 3-0 pre-season friendly loss to RC Strasbourg Alsace at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp unsurprisingly made wholesale changes from Saturday’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City - with James Milner, Joe Gomez and Ibou Konate the only senior players from last season to feature.
But it’s more minutes into the Reds’ legs as they prepare to face Fulham on the opening day of the 2022-23 Premier League season in six days’ time.
Liverpool fell behind in just the fourth minute when lacklustre defending allowed Adrien Thomasson to sweep home.
Then more poor work from the young Reds side caused them more trouble, with Habib Diallo doubling the visitors’ lead 10 minutes later.
Strasbourg then had a third in the 21st minute - yet again caused by mistakes from Liverpool - with Diallo doubling his tally.
The Reds did try to respond before half-time, with Stefan Bajcetic having a free-kick tipped over the crossbar.
Liverpool had the better of things in the second half and created some chances - but nothing gilt-edged.
Then there was a scare just six days before the Premier League season begins when Konate was withdrawn after twice receiving treatment.
There were no goals for a bumper Anfield crowd to cheer - and now all eyes turn towards Fulham.
Here’s how we rated the Liverpool players.
5. Luke Chambers - 5.5
Caught out for Strasbourg’s second and third goals when putting team-mates under pressure. Kept his head up, though, and had one effort saved in the second half before whipping in a good ball that Elliott almost met. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
6. Stefan Bajcetic - 7
An encouraging pre-season from the 17-year-old. Played some neat passes as he has done throughout this summer and free-kick forced a fine save out of the Strasbourg keeper. A tidy performance. Subbed in the 57th minute. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
7. James Milner - 6
Would have taken Strasbourg forward out in a competitive game when sold short by Chambers for third goal. Took control of things in the first half on the ball and had a decent effort saved late on. | Getty Images Photo: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
8. Tyler Morton - 7
Played one excellent through ball in the first half and made a crunching tackle which launched an attack. Much more involved in the second half and had a fizzing effort well saved. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images