AC Milan icon Paolo Maldini believes they are still one or two levels behind Champions League rivals Liverpool.
The Italian giants were unable to qualify from their group, with Atletico Madrid finishing second behind the Premier League side.
This season was Milan's first entry into the Champions League since the 2013-2014 season.
"It was a disappointment, especially considering the performances, but evidently we need one or even two steps to reach that level. Liverpool aren't just quality, they are also mentality," the five-time European Cup winner told Sky Sport Italia.
"That means being able to handle three games per week, handling the pressure in front of a packed stadium. You need to gain that through experience and being accustomed to it. Some adapt quickly, others less so and some will never get to that level, and that is how you evaluate the quality of a player.
"We know we are not there yet, but we are on the right track, and it was a very difficult group. The fact remains, we only won one of our six games and that is a negative statistic."
Need a VPN? Or seeking to switch? Then support Tribal Football by clicking here to sign up with our official partners NordVPN. Not only will you receive the best VPN experience, but also great discounts by signing up via Tribal Football. Thanks for your support!
