Szoboszlai Reflects on Three Points and Room for Improvement in Premier League Opener
Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town may have put three points on the board, but midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai knows there’s still much to be done. Reflecting on the team’s Premier League opener at Portman Road, Szoboszlai spoke about the importance of learning from the match while acknowledging the positive result. The Reds, under the guidance of head coach Arne Slot, found themselves tested by a determined Ipswich side before securing the win with second-half goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah.
Three Points Secured but Work Remains
Liverpool’s triumph over Ipswich was a well-earned one, with Szoboszlai highlighting both the positives and the areas for growth. “Yeah, we are happy about the three points. What we learned about it [is that] we should be ready from the first minute,” Szoboszlai told Liverpoolfc.com. He emphasised the importance of starting strong and maintaining intensity throughout the match, something the Reds struggled with during the first half.
After a goalless opening 45 minutes, Liverpool emerged more composed and dominant in the second half. Diogo Jota’s goal on the hour mark broke the deadlock, and Mohamed Salah quickly followed up with a second to secure the win. Despite the victory, Szoboszlai was keen to note that the team has “stuff to learn” and improvements to make, especially regarding their intensity and control.
Second-Half Control Key to Victory
The turning point of the match came after the break, with Liverpool exerting more control and pressing Ipswich with greater intent. Szoboszlai explained how the Reds found their footing and began to impose themselves on the game. “In the second half, I think we mostly controlled the game, we had chances, and we were intense, we won the balls,” he said.
Liverpool’s ability to adapt and apply pressure was crucial, but Szoboszlai acknowledged the need to replicate that intensity from the start. “That’s the thing we have to do from the beginning,” he added, emphasising the importance of maintaining consistent pressure throughout the match.
Tactical Adjustments in Midfield
Szoboszlai, playing in a slightly adjusted role under Slot, reflected on the tactical nuances of Liverpool’s new system. The team has made a shift from the previous season’s setup, and Szoboszlai found himself in a more advanced role. “We played differently a little bit because we played with one No.6 and two No.8s, with one of the No.8s dropping as a No.6,” he explained.
This season, however, sees a different approach with one No.6, one No.8, and Szoboszlai operating as a No.10. “I think I have more offensive work with the ball, but without the ball, I still have to do my stuff anyway, so the same as last season,” he said. This flexibility in his role allows him to contribute both offensively and defensively, a testament to the evolving tactical demands under Slot.
Patience and Adaptation in the Early Season
While Liverpool’s opening day victory is a positive start, Szoboszlai stressed the importance of patience as the squad continues to adapt to their new system. The team had a long pre-season, but not all players were available throughout, leading to some adjustments being made as they gel on the pitch.
Szoboszlai believes that, in time, the squad will come together and fully grasp the nuances of their new playing style. “I think we need time until we come together and we know each other in this system as well,” he said. “Last year, we showed that we know each other, but now it is quite a little bit different system and also style of playing football.”
Liverpool’s Premier League campaign is off to a solid start, with Szoboszlai and his teammates picking up three points on the board. However, the midfielder’s reflections make it clear that the team is still finding its rhythm under a slightly new approach. With time and further adaptation, Szoboszlai believes Liverpool can reach new heights in the months to come.
