Liverpool: Dominik Szoboszlai aims to be an example under Andoni Iraola
Szoboszlai’s renewed commitment and leadership aspirations
Dominik Szoboszlai has expressed his desire to take on a leadership role at Liverpool, aiming to “step up” and “be an example” for the club. His comments come after he signed a new long-term contract with the Reds earlier this month, reaffirming his commitment to achieving success in the upcoming seasons. Currently, Szoboszlai is participating in the pre-season tour in the USA, where he is among the more experienced players.
During a press conference, Szoboszlai reflected on his new deal, stating his happiness to have finalised the agreement. He reiterated his ambition to win all possible trophies with Liverpool, a goal he articulated when he first joined the club. His focus remains on achieving significant accomplishments and supporting the team.
The midfielder is entering his fourth campaign with Liverpool, a period marked by a change in leadership with Andoni Iraola appointed as head coach for the 2026-27 season. Szoboszlai acknowledges the departure of several club legends but maintains that Liverpool retains its status as one of the world’s biggest clubs. He believes that with new players arriving and others departing, there is a collective responsibility to rise to the occasion and serve as role models, particularly for younger players.
Pre-season performance and new coaching philosophy
Liverpool’s pre-season tour in the USA has seen them secure two consecutive victories. The team achieved a 1-0 win against Wrexham in New York, following a 4-2 triumph over Sunderland in Nashville, where Szoboszlai was among the goalscorers. The team’s time in the States will conclude with a match against Leeds United at Soldier Field.
Szoboszlai commented on the training facilities in Chicago, describing them as exceptional and providing everything a footballer needs. He also praised the city and its friendly people. Looking ahead to the upcoming match against Leeds, he noted that the return of players like Ryan Gravenberch, Flo Wirtz, and Alex Isak, who were significant contributors in previous seasons, is expected to enhance the team’s performance even further.
The midfielder also shared his positive impressions of the new head coach, Andoni Iraola, contrasting his approach with that of former boss Arne Slot. Szoboszlai highlighted the return of “intensity” under Iraola, which he suggested was lacking during the previous season. He stated that this intensity, coming from both the coach and the players, is crucial for the team’s success this year.
Iraola’s appointment followed the club’s decision to dismiss Slot after two years. Slot had led Liverpool to a Premier League title in his first season but saw a decline in performance during his second, with the team securing Champions League qualification but not enough to retain his position. Slot’s style of play in his second season had drawn criticism for its perceived lack of dynamism.
Team dynamics and collective ambition
Szoboszlai’s observations on the team’s intensity echo sentiments previously expressed by Mohamed Salah before his departure from the club this summer. Salah had called for Liverpool to revert to a more aggressive, attacking style of play. With Salah’s exit and Andy Robertson also having left, Szoboszlai is considered a potential candidate for the vice-captaincy.
Despite changes in the squad, Szoboszlai believes the club’s fundamental identity as one of the biggest in the world remains unchanged. He emphasised the need for players to step up and set an example for the younger generation, both on and off the pitch. He noted that many players share this mindset and are collectively striving for success.
Szoboszlai mentioned that several players, including himself, Flo Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Alex Isak, Alisson Becker, and Joey Gomez, have been at the club for a considerable time and are united in their desire for collective achievement. He affirmed the team’s commitment to following Captain Virgil van Dijk’s leadership, expressing confidence that the new manager and the evolving team will achieve long-term success.
The team is currently preparing for their final pre-season match in the USA against Leeds United at Soldier Field on Sunday.
Source: liverpoolfc.com
As NewsUK's Senior Football Correspondent, Thomas Beckwith reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on three World Cups for a national news agency. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Thomas lives in Sheffield, where he watches lower-league football most weekends. “Football writing is about the decisions, not just the result.”
