Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane claimed Dominik Szoboszlai was ‘disrespectful’ to his team after the Liverpool midfielder made a bizarre error
Dominik Szoboszlai has apologised after his bizarre error in Liverpool’s FA Cup victory over Barnsley. The Reds might have run out 4-1 winners at Anfield, but towards the end of the first half, Szoboszlai chased back to stop a Barnsley attack and then tried a flick just three yards out when under pressure that presented Adam Phillips with the simplest of tap-ins.
Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane didn’t hold back in his post-match press conference as he delivered a scathing assessment in which he claimed Szoboszlai was “disrespectful” to his team, while an unimpressed Arne Slot confirmed he would be holding talks with his midfielder.
But to his credit, Szoboszlai issued an apology, saying: “[I’m also] sorry for the team again [for his error leading to Barnsley’s goal]. I made it hard for us with an easy mistake, I would say. But football moves on and we take the next round.”
Prior to his mistake, the Hungary international had earlier lashed home a 35-yarder to open the scoring before Jeremie Frimpong doubled his side’s lead. Substitutes Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike rounded off the scoring in the closing stages of the second half, with the Reds now set to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round.
“We wanted to show that we take it [the FA Cup] seriously,” Szoboszlai said. “I think we always take it seriously [usually], but we showed again today that we need the whole squad.
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“The new guys came in who didn’t play maybe as much as the others, but again, they also showed quality. We need everyone.
“I think we need a little bit more time together to get to know each other better. From the summer on we developed a lot and all the new guys settled in very well, I think – but you need to ask them first of all. [I’m] happy for Flo and Hugo [tonight] and all of the guys.
“Of course [it was nice to win]. It was also for the fans also, and now we move on.”
Speaking after the game, Tykes boss Hourihane said: “I’m a little bit disappointed with their player if I’m honest. I thought it was a bit disrespectful.
“I don’t think he does that against Chelsea, or Arsenal in a Champions League game. Unbelievable little feeling and buzz for Adam obviously, but a little bit of lack of respect from their player to be honest.”
While Reds boss Slot said: “I don’t think you should do that in a Premier League game, League Cup game, friendly game or a training session.
“It’s a weird choice and I also have my opinion about it, but I prefer to keep that to myself and speak about it with Dom.”
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