Szoboszlai plays down Salah Liverpool future
Dominik Szoboszlai has refused to speculate on Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool, insisting the decision rests solely with the club and manager amid uncertainty surrounding the Egypt forward.
Salah’s status has been under scrutiny following comments suggesting a breakdown in his relationship with head coach Arne Slot.
The 33-year-old recently returned from the Africa Cup of Nations and could be included in Liverpool’s squad for Wednesday’s Champions League clash away to Marseille.
“Decision between manager and club”
Speaking to reporters, Szoboszlai confirmed he stayed in regular contact with Salah during the AFCON but avoided addressing whether his teammate will remain at Anfield.
“That’s between me and him. He will come back and then we keep on going,” the Hungary midfielder said.
“It’s the decision between the manager and the club.”
Szoboszlai added that communication between them has been frequent.
“Yes, to be honest, almost every day. We speak about everything.”
Salah’s return boosts Liverpool options
Slot recently said he was “happy” to have Salah back, and Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley underlined the forward’s importance.
Despite dominating the match with 32 shots and an expected goals tally of 2.95, Liverpool found the net just once.
Szoboszlai, who missed a penalty in that game, pointed to improved creativity against defensive opponents. “That’s the first time we played really well against a low block and created a lot of chances,” he said, while noting Marseille will pose a different tactical challenge.
Szoboszlai responds to criticism
The midfielder also addressed criticism from Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane, who accused him of being disrespectful after attempting a backheel in his own box during an FA Cup tie that led to a goal.
“I made a mistake against Barnsley but it wasn’t disrespectful,” Szoboszlai said. “I would do the same against Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.”
Penalties and contract talks
Despite missing two penalties this season, Szoboszlai remains confident. “The next one is in,” he said, confirming Salah remains first-choice penalty taker when available.
He also revealed discussions are ongoing over a new contract, with his current deal running until 2028, as Liverpool seek stability both on and off the pitch.
