Dominik Szoboszlai has issued a strong Liverpool message and words of advice to the new raft of transfer signings
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai(Image: LFC TV)
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Dominik Szoboszlai has urged Liverpool to stop hiding behind the excuse of it being a transitional season and again challenge for major honours.
The Reds are unbeaten under new head coach Andoni Iraola but have dropped points in three of their five Premier League games to stand six points behind early leaders Manchester City.
Iraola was appointed following the sacking of Arne Slot earlier this summer after a disappointing defence of the title in which Liverpool scraped Champions League qualification by finishing fifth.
While spending more than £700milllion on 11 new senior players since the championship triumph less than 18 months ago, the Reds have seen a succession of established players depart with Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate the latest to leave during the recent transfer window.
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And despite the churn of change at Liverpool in recent times, Szoboszlai is adamant the Reds have no time to waste in adjusting.
"It's enough to speak about that we need time," he said. "Obviously last season things weren't going well and we were saying that new players came in and a couple of players left, (such as) Lucho and Darwin, and it didn't work out.
"So we were saying we need time because of the transition. Now we will say that Mo left, a legend and with all the respect. Robbo the same.
"Every year something is going to happen. So at one point we have to take the responsibility and stop making excuses, because we are Liverpool FC.
"We don't have three years to renew everybody and start again. So I think it starts now and we are there again. It's a long season."
Szoboszlai added: "I think our main point is to become a real family because then after that we can be successful. To talk is easy but I think you also have to show it on the pitch..
"What this season is going to ask us is are we ready to compete again on the highest level? I think we are but we have to start to do it."
Szoboszlai was this summer appointed alongside Joe Gomez and Alisson Becker in a group of vice-captains behind skipper Virgil van Dijk.
And he said: "To be honest, I like to have responsibility. Maybe last season, I think on the pitch I actually tried to take responsibility and it worked out quite well.
"Now I maybe try to (take responsibility) off the pitch a little bit more, but I think in this team we have a lot of guys who like to take responsibility, which is nice and (makes it) easier for everyone."
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Szoboszlai was joined by Ryan Gravenberch and Milos Kerkez in the latest edition of The Reds Roundtable presented by Standard Chartered, and revealed how seriously he is taking his new position.
"I'm one of the policeman, yes, for the fines," said the Hungary international, to which Gravenberch continued: "I'm one as well, it's just when people come in late. We can't tell you the prices. It used to be a long list!"
Szoboszlai also had a message for the latest raft of new arrivals with Bradley Barcola, Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Munoz and on-loan Ronald Araujo all joining in the summer.
"Believe that it's one of the best clubs in the world and the best club in England," he said. "And we have to play like that. The badge is very big and you have to make the supporters proud again.
"We know how it feels to win the Premier League and from my side I don't think anything felt like that before. Of course, we want to feel it again, and the same with the Champions League and with the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
"We are on it. But the only thing is they should make sure they give their best, we give our best and we become like a family."
Gravenberch added: "If you come to Liverpool then you know already the badge is going to be heavy. The advice I can give them is just to be yourself, do what you do at the club you were at before."
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