Dominik Szoboszlai has opened up on the changes at Liverpool under Andoni Iraola, with the Spaniard having taken over following the firing of Arne Slot in the summer
Dominik Szoboszlai speaking during an interview with TNT Sports
Dominik Szoboszlai has opened up on the changes made at Liverpool under Andoni Iraola(Image: TNT Sports)
Dominik Szoboszlai has urged Liverpool to rediscover its previous intensity, having admitted the Reds were missing it last season under Arne Slot.
Liverpool’s final season under its previous head coach saw it labor toward Champions League qualification, having won the Premier League title the previous year. Performances were a far cry from those early on in Slot’s tenure, which ultimately led to his downfall.
The Dutchman was fired shortly after the end of the 2025/26 season, with Andoni Iraola chosen as his replacement. The former Bournemouth boss has made a decent start to life at Anfield, having drawn his opening two games against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest before picking up his first win against Ipswich on Friday.
The performance at Portman Road was the most impressive so far, with Alexander Isak spearheading the victory with two goals, thanks in no small part to Cody Gakpo’s two superb assists.
With defending champion Arsenal and Manchester City making a perfect start to the season though, the Reds already find themselves playing catch-up if they are to feature in the title race again.
Szoboszlai though still feels that possible if they can turn things around following those disappointing showings under Slot.
Arne Slot's final season in charge saw a huge dip in form at Liverpool
Arne Slot's final season in charge saw a huge dip in form at Liverpool(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
"I think it has to change," he told Steven Gerrard in an interview for TNT Sports.
"This is what we missed last season. If we can bring this intensity back, that we want it more than the others, we have the quality. And this, together, no one can stop us."
Iraola has already sought to change things after taking over from Slot, not least when it comes to Szoboszlai.
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The Hungarian was often called upon to fill in at right-back under his previous head coach amid injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, and although Liverpool did not add to its options in that position during the summer transfer window, it seems Szoboszlai is set to remain in his preferred position.
"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 on his early conversations with Iraola.
"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."