Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai resolves captaincy armband row
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has confirmed a captaincy dispute with Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas has been resolved following a pre-season incident in New York.
Footage emerged last week showing the trio arguing after a 1-0 victory against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium.
The disagreement began when the Hungarian international handed the armband to Tsimikas instead of Jones while being substituted, leading the Greek defender to throw it to the floor during the post-match dispute.
Media exaggerated the incident
During a subsequent 4-2 pre-season defeat by Leeds United on Sunday, the leadership responsibility was instead passed to Jones.
“It was never a debate between us three. We just discussed something on the pitch.”
Dominik Szoboszlai
The 25-year-old insisted that the media blew the situation out of proportion and stated that future discussions will take place privately in the dressing room.
“Nobody was angry at no-one. It’s all cleared – we are cool.”
Dominik Szoboszlai
Vice-captaincy remains vacant
With regular skipper Virgil van Dijk absent from the United States tour and Joe Gomez nursing an injury, the former RB Leipzig playmaker led the side for most of the trip.
New manager Andoni Iraola has not yet appointed a permanent vice-captain following the surprise departure of Andy Robertson to Tottenham Hotspur.
“If you get offered the vice-captaincy at Liverpool, you’re going to take it. It would be a proud moment for me.”
Dominik Szoboszlai
However, the midfield general reiterated his respect for the established leadership group, which includes Alisson Becker alongside Van Dijk and Gomez.
Focus turns to the new season
The Reds return to Merseyside training on Wednesday before facing Monaco in a final pre-season friendly at Anfield this weekend.
“I feel we are ready to go again and take motivation from the last season, because it was not the best.”
Dominik Szoboszlai
Addressing potential transfer activity, the club’s number eight maintained that squad recruitment remains the responsibility of the board and management.
He also reserved praise for 19-year-old prospect Trey Nyoni, who has been a standout performer, while the squad prepares to welcome back Alexis Mac Allister.