“Slot Criticizes Szoboszlai Following Barnsley Manager’s ‘Disrespectful’ Claim”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot joined Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane in criticizing Dominik Szoboszlai for a “disrespectful” moment during their FA Cup third-round clash.

Liverpool eventually secured a 4-1 victory at Anfield, with goals from Szoboszlai, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike showcasing high-quality finishing.

However, Barnsley put up a strong fight. The Tykes pulled one back to make it 2-1 before halftime when former Liverpool academy player and lifelong fan Adam Phillips capitalized on a mistake by Szoboszlai. The Hungarian midfielder, in the six-yard box, attempted an unusual backheel that went awry, allowing Phillips to steal the ball and score in front of the Kop.

Szoboszlai’s decision drew widespread criticism, with Hourihane expressing his frustration to TNT Sports. He said: “I was a bit disappointed with our goal because I don’t think a player would attempt that against Chelsea, Arsenal, or in a Champions League match. I don’t think he’d do it in a Premier League game either.”

After the match, Slot was asked about the incident and, echoing Hourihane’s sentiment, called Szoboszlai’s action “weird” and confirmed he would speak to the midfielder privately. “I don’t think you should do that in an FA Cup game, a league match, a friendly, or even in training,” Slot said. “It was a strange choice. I have my opinion, but I’ll discuss it with Dom privately.”

TNT Sports pundits also suggested that Szoboszlai likely wouldn’t repeat such an error in a higher-profile game.
Szoboszlai, who has arguably been Liverpool’s standout performer this season, apologized in a post-match TV interview:

“Sorry to the team again; I made it difficult for us with a simple mistake. But football happens, we move on and focus on the next round.”
Liverpool, drawn against Brighton in the fourth round, return to Premier League action on Saturday, hosting Burnley.