Dominik Szoboszlai cut an emotional figure as his Hungary side were eliminated from World Cup qualifying with a last gasp loss to the Republic of Ireland
Arne Slot has held talks with Dominik Szoboszlai
Arne Slot has held talks with Dominik Szoboszlai
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Liverpool boss Arne Slot says he has discussed Hungary's heartbreaking World Cup exit with Dominik Szoboszlai, who could again be asked to revert to right-back in the coming weeks.
Hungary captain Szoboszlai cut a devastated figure as his side were beaten 3-2 by the Republic of Ireland in Budapest on Sunday, as they saw their hopes of qualifying for a first World Cup finals since 1986 go up in smoke.
After being reduced to tears on the pitch alongside his Reds team-mate Milos Kerkez, Szoboszlai issued an emotional social media post apologising to the Hungarian public for the defeat. His emotions cut a stark contrast to Andy Robertson, who was able to celebrate Scotland reaching a World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Discussing the international fortunes of his players, Slot said: "We did talk about it (Hungary's defeat), we spoke to Milos as well. It was a big disappointment being so close to play-off games and then going out in extra time of extra time which was fair as there were two subs in that time.
"It's really hard that you concede, especially because in the other side you see Robbo what it means when you do qualify when you haven't for so long."
Szoboszlai will return to a Liverpool squad missing both Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong ahead of Saturday's clash with Nottingham Forest, meaning he could revert to the right back role he played earlier in the season when both were unavailable, although he isn't the only option for Liverpool in the position, with Slot admitting that other players may have to be utilised in new roles in the coming weeks.
"He's played really well as a full-back, he's played really well as a midfielder," continued Slot. "Curtis Jones played there last season as well.
Dominik Szoboszlai was devastated by Hungary's late defeat against Ireland.
Dominik Szoboszlai was devastated by Hungary's late defeat against Ireland.
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"Joe Gomez can play there, but Joe Gomez has played two times 90 minutes throughout 2025, so if we want to keep him available longer its maybe a bit of a risk to play him seven times in 22 days.
"He missed out on a training session yesterday but we are expecting him to train today. So it is challenging, but the good thing is we have enough good players available, and maybe one or two of them have to play in positions they usually don't do, but thats what we have to accept"
Elaborating on the injury suffered by Bradley, as well as summer signing Florian Wirtz, Slot said: "Both have muscle issues. I don't expect Conor to be part of the upcoming 22 days, maybe the end unless a miracle happens. Florian maybe should not be that long.
"Jeremie is out just as long, won't be available in the next few weeks."