Dominik Szoboszlai has lifted the lid on his early conversations with Andoni Iraola at Liverpool, with the new Reds head coach seemingly moving away from one of Arne Slot's tactics
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool speaks with Andoni Iraola, Manager of Liverpool, after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St James' Park on August 23, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Dominik Szoboszlai has lifted the lid on his early conversations with Andoni Iraola(Image: Getty Images)
Dominik Szoboszlai has revealed that Andoni Iraola has told him he will not play at right-back again for Liverpool.
The midfielder was called upon by Arne Slot to fill in on the right of the defense a number of times last season, with Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong having both struggled with injuries.
Liverpool did not sign a new right-back during the summer transfer window, despite ongoing concerns over Bradley’s fitness and Frimpong’s form. The former is not expected to return from a serious knee injury until at least November, while the latter was dropped for the Reds’ win over Ipswich on Friday, and replaced by Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo.
Iraola though is seemingly not planning on following his predecessor’s lead, with Szobszlai revealing all in an interview with Steven Gerrard for TNT Sports.
"I think he made it clear, one time, that I'm not going to play right-back, which meant a lot to me," Szoboszlai said. "But, if he needs me there, I'm going to be available. The only position I really didn't like was the 7."
Asked by Gerrard about his favorite position on the pitch, Szoboszlai said: "8 to 10 - like a box-to-box 8. Get the balls from the defender, give the long passes, but also arrive in the box, shots from a little bit further. That's what I really like."
Arne Slot turned to Dominik Szoboszlai on a number of occasions to play at right-back
Arne Slot turned to Dominik Szoboszlai on a number of occasions to play at right-back(Image: Getty Images)
Szoboszlai’s comments come after Iraola was quizzed about the possibility of the Hungarian playing at right-back again this season, and the Liverpool boss didn’t necessarily rule out the prospect of turning to his midfielder if required.
“Since I started here I’ve talked to a lot of players about their position, where they prefer to play,” he told reporters ahead of the game against Ipswich.
“But I haven’t found any situations where any player has told me: ‘No, I don’t want to play here’. Everyone has shown the right attitude.
“I know more or less the perfect position for everyone. Sometimes it’s the same, I think, from their [perspective].
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“Sometimes I say, ‘Okay, I see you maybe more here’ — and we have discussions. But everyone is ready to help. If we have to play him [Szoboszlai] as a right winger, as a right-back, as a left-back, I think he’s ready to do it.
“He wants to help the team first and it’s good also to have players who can cover different positions, especially now that we have some injuries.
“We need this versatility from the players. Having players like Dom, for me, it’s very valuable, because in games they allow me to change not the players, but the positions.”