Sports
Arne Slot Reacts to Dominik Szoboszlai ‘Disrespectful’ Claim
Arne Slot has given his reaction to Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane criticising Dominik Szoboszlai’s failed backheel, after the Liverpool midfielder clumsily gifted Barnsley a goal in their FA Cup tie.
The Reds were 2-0 up against their League One opponents, thanks to goals from the Hungarian international and Jeremie Frimpong, before the visitors pulled one back after Szoboszlai attempted a flick just in front of his goal. Completely missing the ball, Adam Phillips gave Giorgi Mamardashvili no chance with his strike from close range.
Ultimately, the 25-year-old’s error went unpunished as Liverpool clung on to their goal advantage, before substitutes Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike put the game out of site with two late goals. A 4-1 win means that the Merseyside club will face Brighton in the fourth round of the cup, but they will need to put in a much improved performance against the Seagulls.
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Barnsley Manager Hourihane Slams Szoboszlai For Flick
Szoboszlai was asked about his mistake following the game’s conclusion and proceeded to apologise for his error. He told TNT Sports: “I’m sorry for the team. I made it hard for us with an easy mistake.
“But football happens, and take it, and we move onto the next round. We always take it seriously, whoever we play, but it shows we need the full squad.”
Check Out Szoboszlai’s Mistake Below:
However, Barnsley manager Hourihane was not particularly happy with the Hungarian even attempting an audacious touch in the FA Cup tie. Stating that he was “disappointed,” he went on to say that Szoboszlai likely wouldn’t have tried that flick in a Premier League match.
“I was a little disappointed with our goal, if I’m honest,” he said. “I don’t think the player would do that against Chelsea or Arsenal, or in a Champions League game. So I was a little bit with that.”
The former Aston Villa player, when then asked if it was disrespectful, added: “Potentially. I don’t think he does that in a Premier League game.”
Hourihane’s comments were then put to Slot when the Dutch manager joined TNT to give his thoughts on the match. Initially confused by the question, the Liverpool boss expressed that he agreed with the opposition coach, saying that he shouldn’t have done it in any type of game. However, he ultimately decided that his true thoughts on the matter would remain between him and Szoboszlai.
“I don’t think you should do it in a friendly game or a training session,” Slot said. “It was a weird choice, and I also have an opinion about it, but I prefer to keep it to myself and share it with Dom.”
The head coach also said that there was plenty to improve upon, with Barnsley giving his team trouble for much of the game. He added: “I was happy with the goals we scored. But the game was too tight for too long. The goal we conceded made it difficult. Another bad moment and it could have been 2-2.”
