Dominik Szoboszlai says "no-one can stop" Liverpool if they raise their intensity this season under Andoni Iraola. The Reds' vice-captain admits it was sorely lacking during the failed defence of their Premier League crown last term, which ultimately cost Arne Slot his job.
Title gap and new leadership
Liverpool finished 25 points behind champions Arsenal, who managed just one more point than the Reds did in their title-winning campaign. Szoboszlai, 25, was one of the few players to really impress at Anfield.
Iraola has appointed the midfielder as one of his vice-captains as a result. He has now spoken to Steven Gerrard ahead of their first Champions League game of the season.
Szoboszlai on Iraola's demands
When quizzed 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 skipper pressed further, asking whether intensity would be the key difference in his side's displays compared to 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."
Role clarity and preferred position
He also lifted the lid on what Iraola has already made clear about his role 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."
Reflecting on the variety of roles he filled last season, the Hungary international said: "The only position I really didn't like was the 7." When quizzed about his preferred position on the pitch, Szoboszlai replied: "8 - like a box-to-box 8. Get the balls from the defender, give the long passes.
"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."
