Slot ‘completely understands’ fan frustration after Liverpool draw to Burnley
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In December, the 33-year-old fuelled speculation over his future with an explosive interview in which he suggested his relationship with head coach Slot had deteriorated. Yet Szoboszlai was unwilling to offer any further insight into the matter.
“That’s between me and him,” the midfielder said. “He will come back and then we keep going. The decision is between the manager and the club.”
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Szoboszlai and Salah have been reunited in the Liverpool squad to face Marseille
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Asked about their contact since Salah departed Merseyside on December 15, Szoboszlai added: “Yes, honestly, almost every day. We talk about everything. I follow him and I think he follows me too. We speak a lot.”
Liverpool are unbeaten in the seven games since Salah departed for the tournament in Morocco, but the four successive Premier League draws indicate they have been far from convincing or at their fluent best in the forward’s absence.
Perhaps more alarmingly for Slot is his side’s recent defensive displays. In the last six Premier League games, no side has recorded a higher expected goals conceded (xGc) than Liverpool’s 4.54 – and they will be without Ibrahima Konate in the south of France for personal reasons.
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‘Happy to have him back’ – Slot on Salah returning from AFCON
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Slot will have to devise a new plan to keep a free-scoring Marseille at bay at the Stade Velodrome, and he will hope Szoboszlai is clinical when a presentable chance falls his way.
Against Burnley, the 25-year-old missed a rare penalty, having scored from 20 of his previous 21 spot-kicks in his career – but the player is happy to continue to take on the responsibilities from 12 yards whenever Salah is not on the pitch.
“Yes, one time against the post and now the crossbar,” added Szoboszlai when asked about the two penalties he has missed since turning professional.
“The next one is in. If he (Salah) comes back, he is the first penalty taker.
“He will give me some advice on what to think about when you miss as he’s missed a couple of times but he forgets what has happened.”
Szoboszlai: Talks ongoing over a new contract
Meanwhile, Szoboszlai has confirmed that discussions over a new contract at Liverpool are ongoing, though he stressed that no decision has yet been made about his long-term future.
The Hungary captain has been Slot’s standout performer this term and remains under contract until the summer of 2028.
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Szoboszlai still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his current deal
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Approaching his peak years, Szoboszlai made clear he would be content to remain at Anfield, while acknowledging the inherent uncertainty of football.
“There are always talks,” he continued. “The media creates a lot of speculation – that’s part of the job. Discussions have taken place, but no decision has been made.
“There is progress, but nothing has been finalised. My focus is on giving my best every week, in every training session, for the team and for the fans. We’ll see what the future brings.”
