Dominik Szoboszlai has declared Liverpool must “become a team again” after officially committing his long term future to the club, insisting last season’s disappointment should serve as motivation rather than pressure as the Reds embark on a new chapter under Andoni Iraola.
The Hungary international signed a new long term contract with Liverpool, ending speculation over his future and reinforcing his commitment to helping restore the club to the top of English football.
Although delighted to extend his stay at Anfield, Szoboszlai made it clear that his attention is already fixed on what lies ahead rather than the contract itself. He described the occasion as one of the biggest moments of his football career, saying only signing for Liverpool and the birth of his daughter ranked higher.
The midfielder admitted there was never any uncertainty about his future, explaining that joining Liverpool was an easy decision three years ago and extending his stay was no different because “it was always Liverpool.”
He said the club has become like “a big family” to him and his loved ones, making the decision even more straightforward as they have settled into life on Merseyside.
Beyond football, Szoboszlai believes the past three years have transformed him. Becoming a husband and father, he said, has changed his outlook while giving him greater balance away from the game, something he feels has also improved his performances on the pitch.
With Liverpool beginning preparations for a new campaign, the 25 year old is convinced both his personal growth and footballing experience can help the club return to competing for major honours.
‘I’m A Completely Different Player’ Now
Looking back on his journey since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2023, Szoboszlai said he has grown in every aspect of his life. He described himself as “a completely different person” and “a completely different player,” adding that each season has made him stronger through experience.
The midfielder believes working under different managers has broadened his understanding of the game. Having now prepared to play under a third Liverpool head coach, he said every coach has taught him something unique, allowing him to develop into a more complete footballer.
Off the field, family life has also played a major role. Szoboszlai admitted he has less free time than before but said spending time with his wife and daughter keeps him grounded and ensures he is mentally ready whenever he steps onto the pitch.
He added that remaining at Liverpool was also the right decision for his family, noting that avoiding another relocation with a young child made the choice much easier.
‘An Unbelievable Coach’
Szoboszlai is also optimistic about Liverpool’s future under new head coach Andoni Iraola, whom he described as “an unbelievable coach” after admiring the work he produced at Bournemouth.
According to the Hungarian, Iraola consistently built one of the Premier League’s fittest and most intense teams, qualities he believes will benefit Liverpool as they seek to return to challenging for the biggest trophies.
The midfielder said he is looking forward to learning from the Spaniard and hopes to apply everything he has gained from previous managers while adapting to Iraola’s demanding style.
He also revealed there has been a positive atmosphere since pre season training resumed, with players returning refreshed after the summer break and eager to begin the new campaign together.
Last Season ‘Should Be Motivation’
Despite Liverpool’s struggles last season, Szoboszlai insists the squad should not allow disappointment to become a burden. Instead, he believes it must inspire a stronger response.
He argued that “it shouldn’t be a pressure, it should be a motivation” to avoid repeating the mistakes that undermined the previous campaign, stressing that the players must channel that disappointment into better performances.
The midfielder also challenged the senior members of the dressing room to set the standard for the rest of the squad. He said “everybody has to take responsibility,” with experienced players carrying even greater responsibility so younger teammates can follow their example.
Szoboszlai believes that Liverpool possess the quality to compete again, but only if the squad rediscovers its collective identity.
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