Erling Haaland Mocks Szoboszlai After Moment in Liverpool’s Win Over Barnsley

 

 

Erling Haaland couldn’t resist a light-hearted jab at former RB Salzburg teammate Dominik Szoboszlai during Liverpool’s FA Cup third-round win over League One side Barnsley.

On Monday, January 12, Arne Slot’s men booked their place in the fourth round with a comfortable 4-1 victory at Anfield. Szoboszlai got the Reds off to the perfect start, rifling home from distance in the ninth minute, before Jeremie Frimpong made it 2-0 just after the half-hour mark.

Barnsley were handed a lifeline five minutes later, however, when Szoboszlai attempted a risky backheel across his own goal, allowing Adam Phillips to pounce and fire past the goalkeeper. The moment drew criticism after the match, with Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane branding the Hungarian’s effort “disrespectful,” while Slot described it as “weird.”

“I was disappointed with the goal because he doesn’t try that against Chelsea or Arsenal,” Hourihane told TNT Sports. “I don’t think he does that in a Premier League or Champions League game. It felt like a lack of respect. I’m delighted for Adam, but from their player’s point of view, it was disrespectful.”

Liverpool restored their dominance after the break, with late goals from Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike sealing the win and extending the Reds’ unbeaten run to 11 matches in all competitions.

It proved to be a night of contrasts for Szoboszlai, and even Haaland joined in the fun. Watching the game on television, the Manchester City striker posted a photo on Snapchat with the caption: “Domi, what a goal – smile a bit.”

The pair featured together 19 times during their Salzburg days and remain close friends despite now representing rival Premier League clubs.

Liverpool’s reward is a fourth-round clash with Brighton, who knocked out Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, January 11. The Reds return to league action at Anfield on Saturday, January 17, when they take on relegation-threatened Burnley.