“I apologise” – Dominik Szoboszlai sends message to Liverpool fans after Man City controversy

Liverpool rarely do things quietly, and even in defeat the noise tends to linger. That was certainly the case after the bruising 4-0 FA Cup loss to Man City, a result that left more than just the scoreline under scrutiny. At the centre of the post match discussion stood Dominik Szoboszlai, a player who has quickly become integral under Arne Slot, yet suddenly found himself explaining his actions to supporters.

The Hungarian midfielder has now moved to clear the air following what he described as a misunderstanding with Liverpool fans at the Etihad Stadium. With tensions running high after a heavy defeat, gestures can easily be misread, and that is precisely what Szoboszlai believes happened.

By the time the final whistle sounded, many travelling Liverpool supporters had already made their exit. Erling Haaland’s hat trick and a missed Mohamed Salah penalty told the story of a difficult afternoon against Man City. For those who remained, the effort from players to acknowledge their backing mattered, but it also became a moment of scrutiny.

Szoboszlai, along with several teammates, approached the away end. Cameras caught what appeared to be a frustrated exchange, with the midfielder gesturing towards supporters. In isolation, it looked abrupt. In context, it reflected a player wrestling with the same disappointment felt in the stands.

Speaking ahead of a crucial European night, Dominik Szoboszlai addressed the situation directly, choosing clarity over avoidance.

“To make it clear it was a misunderstanding with me and the fans, I didn’t mean it in a bad way. I know what the fans mean to this club. As a player we do everything for them and us. If it was a misunderstanding then I apologise, they can feel also that I am not feeling better than them, exactly the same as they do.

Photo: IMAGO

“I am with them and we are with them, hopefully they are with us as well. We are going to go all in and give our best from minute one to 90 or maybe 120. I am ready to die on the pitch tomorrow, I can speak for all the players. We want it so bad and we work for it so. Anything can happen at Anfield.”

There is little ambiguity in those words. Szoboszlai has acknowledged the emotional bond between Liverpool and its supporters, while reinforcing that the frustration runs both ways. At a club where connection matters as much as results, that message carries weight.

Attention now turns quickly, as it often does in elite football. Liverpool face Paris Saint Germain at Anfield in a tie that could define their European campaign. Szoboszlai is expected to play a central role, not just tactically but emotionally, setting the tone for a response.

He also touched on the broader challenge of scheduling, particularly when comparing the Premier League with Ligue 1.

“Of course, it’s different when they rest between the two games, it gives them two days more to recovery, for analysing the game, getting ready for the game. After the PSG game we focused on Fulham and played two days ago and now it is Paris again. Some played in Paris and Fulham long, so that makes a difference.”

“I am not here to say PL should help us with days off in CL, it’s not the case. We have to deal with it and we are professional enough to deal with it. That’s our job.”

There is a pragmatism there that reflects the current Liverpool mindset. No excuses, just acceptance of the demands. After the disappointment against Man City, the opportunity for redemption arrives quickly. For Dominik Szoboszlai and Liverpool, the next chapter is already being written.