Liverpool boss Arne Slot explains why he is not celebrating his birthday today

Liverpool boss Arne Slot will not be celebrating his birthday as the Reds prepare for their clash against AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday .

After having spent a year away from Europe's elite competition, the Reds return to the Champions League, facing off against AC Milan at San Siro. Just days prior, the Reds tasted defeat for the first time this season with Slot and co losing 1-0 to Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

Slot will be looking for a response from his players, especially after their underwhelming performance against Forest. Tuesday night at San Siro will be a big occasion for Slot, in that it will be the first time he manages Liverpool in Europe.

But it is also a big occasion because it is the Dutchman's 46th birthday. Despite this, Slot has confirmed he will not be focussing on his birthday and will instead be focussed upon getting the Reds Champions League campaign off to a strong start.

Slot said during his Monday press conference: "I think it is the first time my birthday is not important for tomorrow, it's a big game for me and because of the history these two teams have, the venue, it's one to look forward to.

"I don't think any manager is scared to play the other team but we have a lot of respect for AC Milan. They have quality, we're not scared but we respect all their players. They have shown they are in good form with a very good 4-0 win. Scared is not the word we would use. We respect a lot."

After the clash at San Siro, the Reds return to European action at the beginning of October, when they will face more Italian opposition in the form of Bologna at Anfield. They then head back out on the road on October 23 to face RB Leipzig, before returning home to welcome former Reds star Xabi Alonso and his Bayer Leverkusen side on November 5.

After that, their next European clash will see them face Real Madrid at Anfield on November 27. And they will then round out their league phase fixtures with games against Girona, Lille and PSV.

Liverpool.com says: "With Slot having worked as a coach since 2016, and with his birthday falling in September, the Dutchman will be used to having to focus upon fixtures over celebrations.

"The only difference this time is he will be doing it as Liverpool boss, which carries more pressure upon his shoulders than his previous jobs with Feyenoord, AZ Alkmaar and Cambuur did."