Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has firmly rejected suggestions that a glaring error he made during last week's FA Cup tie against Barnsley was born out of disrespect for the League One opponents.
A Costly Moment at Anfield
The incident occurred during Liverpool's 4-1 fourth-round victory at Anfield. After scoring a spectacular 30-yard strike to put the Reds 2-0 up, Szoboszlai's game took a turn. Attempting an audacious and risky back-heel pass to his goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, the Hungarian international misjudged the play completely. The mistake presented Barnsley's Adam Phillips with a simple tap-in, suddenly putting Liverpool under pressure.
Barnsley's manager, Conor Hourihane, accused the 25-year-old of showing disrespect after the match. However, Szoboszlai has now broken his silence to counter that claim. "I made a mistake against Barnsley but I have to make it clear it wasn't disrespectful and I would do the same against Arsenal, [Manchester] City and against Chelsea as well," Szoboszlai stated. He explained his thought process, saying he was trying to disguise his intention to keep the ball in play.
A Week to Forget for the Midfielder
The error against Barnsley was compounded just days later when Szoboszlai missed a crucial penalty in Liverpool's 1-1 Premier League draw with Burnley at Anfield. Reflecting on a "tough week", the midfielder remained defiant about his readiness to step up again. "I missed a penalty but I’m going to keep on going, I’m going to take the next one and I’m going to score I’m pretty sure," he insisted.
He emphasised his rigorous training routine, noting he practises as much as physically allowed. The player's immediate penalty-taking duties may be coming to an end, however, with Mohamed Salah due to return from Africa Cup of Nations duty. "If he [Salah] comes back he is the first penalty-taker, but until he comes back I’m the first," Szoboszlai confirmed, adding that he would seek advice from the Egyptian, who has experience bouncing back from missed spot-kicks.
Salah's Return and Squad Focus
Salah's return to Merseyside follows controversial comments made in December, where he accused the club of throwing him "under the bus" and claimed his relationship with manager Arne Slot had broken down. Szoboszlai downplayed any potential awkwardness, stating the squad's focus remains on football. "We speak about everything but that’s between me and him. He will come back and then we just keep on going," he said, framing the situation as a matter for Salah, the manager, and the club to resolve.
Szoboszlai is expected to feature for Liverpool in their upcoming Champions League fixture against Marseille at the Stade Vélodrome, viewing it as a prime opportunity to move on from his recent setbacks and regain his form.
