Football
Football
Szoboszlai Addresses Armband Spat, Eyes New Season Under Iraola
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has clarified a recent on-field disagreement involving teammates Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas over the captain’s armband, stating the situation has been “cleared” and downplaying its significance. The incident occurred last week following a 1-0 pre-season victory against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium in New York. Szoboszlai, who captained the side for much of their U.S. tour in the absence of Virgil van Dijk and an injured Joe Gomez, had passed the armband to Tsimikas instead of Jones when substituted, leading to a visible argument after the match where Tsimikas was seen tossing the armband to the ground.
Szoboszlai, the 25-year-old Hungary captain, insisted it was “never a debate” among the trio, merely a pitch-side discussion that was amplified by the media. He confirmed that in a subsequent 4-2 defeat to Leeds, he gave the armband to Jones. The midfielder also noted that new manager Andoni Iraola has yet to discuss the vice-captaincy, a role left open after Andy Robertson’s departure to Tottenham Hotspur.
Looking ahead, Szoboszlai expressed eagerness for the upcoming season under Iraola, believing last season’s disappointing performance, which saw Arne Slot lose his managerial position, should fuel a strong reaction. He stated that the entire squad is motivated and “on zero” as they adapt to the new coach’s system, aiming to challenge for the title once more.
Despite new arrivals like central defender Jérémy Jacquet and forward Victor Muñoz, Szoboszlai emphasized the need for the team to produce “something special” if further reinforcements don’t materialize before the transfer deadline. He was named the club’s player of the year last season, despite the team’s collective struggles.
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