Dominik Szoboszlai says Liverpool cannot afford to be in "transition" and has explained his initial thoughts on Andoni Iraola, who took over from Arne Slot during the summer
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Dominik Szoboszlai says Liverpool has no excuses not to perform this season, despite a change of head coach and some key personnel moving on during the summer.
In the Premier League so far this term, Andoni Iraola's side has beaten Ipswich and Bournemouth, and drawn with Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Fulham. It has also beaten Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.
"Everybody is talking about us having new players and a new coach, but we are Liverpool," Szoboszlai said on the latest edition of the Reds Roundtable alongside midfielder Ryan Gravenberch and left-back Milos Kerkez.
"I think we shouldn't have the transition time. When you come to Liverpool, you do your best, and we should still win the games and play in the highest level.
"That was my and our first feeling with (Iraola), that he is here to do that.
"The trainings are really hard, and he wants to do it this way. Of course, it takes a little time until we know each other, but it can't take a while — the season has started already."
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola talks with Dominik Szoboszlai
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola talks with Dominik Szoboszlai(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Szoboszlai's feelings stem from the fact that there will always be changes, and that cannot be used as an excuse.
Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez were among those to depart in 2025; Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, alongside Ibrahima Konate, left a year later. In 2027, more changes will follow.
"Obviously last season, things weren't going well and we were saying new players came in, a couple of players left — Lucho (Luis Diaz) and Darwin (Nunez)," Szoboszlai continued.
"It didn't work out and we were saying we needed time because of the transition. Now, Mo left — legend. Robbo, same. Every year, something is going to happen.
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"We have to take the responsibility and stop taking excuses. We are Liverpool FC — we don't have three years to renew everybody and start again. It starts now. We are there again, and it is a long season."
Liverpool.com says: It is hard to make a case for the Reds competing at the very top end of the table this term given a few factors. Changes to the team is one, but also the lack of squad depth.
Szoboszlai is right that Liverpool should always be eyeing major prizes, but sustaining a whole league campaign, on the evidence so far, might be a stretch. Any injuries in a couple of key areas would be a massive issue.