Dominik Szoboszlai and Steven Gerrard have spoken ahead of Liverpool hosting Atletico Madrid at Anfield in their first match of the Champions League league phase
Dominik Szoboszlai speaking to Steven Gerrard
Dominik Szoboszlai has spoke to Steven Gerrard about Liverpool(Image: TNT Sports)
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Dominik Szoboszlai believes Liverpool's intensity has to change this season under Andoni Iraola. The Reds' vice-captain acknowledges it was missing from their unsuccessful title defence last term under Arne Slot.
Szoboszlai, 25, spoke to Steven Gerrard at Kirkby before the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid about the club's new head coach. They discussed Iraola's playing style and the differences from last season, three matches into this campaign.
Liverpool drew their opening two games 2-2, coming from behind twice to take a point against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. They then beat Ipswich Town on Friday for their first win.
Asked about Iraola by Gerrard for TNT Sports, Szoboszlai said: "I like him [Iraola], I like him a lot. I know his playing style is really direct and intense, which I love, and I think that's the most important."
The former Reds captain interjected to ask whether intensity would be the biggest difference in their team's performances last season. Szoboszlai replied: "I think it has to change.
"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."
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He also revealed what Iraola has already said about what position he will not be playing in this season. Szoboszlai says: "I think he made it clear one time that I'm not going to play right-back.
"Which meant a lot to me (laughs). But if he needs me there, obviously, I'm gonna be available."
Discussing the various roles he played last season, the Hungary international said: "The only position I really didn't like was the 7." Asked about his favourite playing position, Szoboszlai replied: "8 - like a box-to-box 8. Get the balls from the defender, give the long passes.
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"But also arrive in the box, be there in the last third, shots from a little bit further. That's what I really like."
Iraola has said: "I haven't found any situation where a player has said he doesn't want to play in a position. We have discussions, but everyone wants to help.
"If we have to play Dom as a right winger, as a right-back or a midfielder, he wants to help the team first. We have some injuries now, and we need the versatility of the players, players like Dom. Even in the game, they have to change positions."