Szoboszlai Reflects on 'Ego' and Liverpool's Future Under Iraola

Dominik SzoboszlaiPlayer·Dominik Szoboszlai, LiverpoolTeam·Liverpool's influential midfielder, has openly acknowledged possessing "too much ego," a trait he asserts fuels his relentless desire to defy critics and achieve success. This frank admission comes as the Hungary international reflects on a challenging yet personally distinguished 2025/26 campaign for the Merseyside club.

Szoboszlai, who was named LiverpoolTeam·Liverpool's Men's Player of the Season for 2025-26, proved a pivotal figure, featuring in 53 out of 57 matches and contributing significantly with 13 goals and 12 assists, the highest in the squad. His versatility was also a notable aspect, as he was deployed as an emergency right-back during an injury crisis. Despite his preference for a box-to-box midfield role, Szoboszlai remains pragmatic about his position within the team.

"I could easily say 'I don’t want to play full-back; either you put me in midfield, or I’m not playing'," Dominik Szoboszlai stated. "But I don’t do that because I want to help my team however I can. It's a team sport. Ultimately, I want to win, no matter where I’m asked to play."

He further elaborated on his motivation, drawing a direct link between external skepticism and his internal drive. "I have too much ego; the more people try to tell me I won't succeed, the more I take a perverse pleasure in proving them wrong. That's why I have so much love for the people sitting on their sofas talking st about me." This mindset, he noted, has been a constant since his early career at Red Bull Salzburg, where he navigated language barriers and intense competition.

LiverpoolTeam·Liverpool's 2025/26 season concluded with a 5th-place finish in the Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League, accumulating 60 points from 38 games. This position meant the club did not secure Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League qualification through the league, leading to the departure of head coach Arne SlotCoach·Arne Slot. The team also faced exits in the Quarter-finals of the Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League, FA CupCompetition·FA Cup, and Fourth round of the EFL CupCompetition·EFL Cup.

Looking ahead, Szoboszlai, 25, is currently engaged in discussions with LiverpoolTeam·Liverpool regarding an improved long-term contract, with his current deal set to expire in 2028. He articulated his aspirations under the guidance of new head coach Andoni Iraola.

"As a child, I always dreamed of winning the Champions League - probably even more than winning the Premier League," Szoboszlai revealed. "But now that I’ve had a taste of it, I absolutely want to win the Premier League again because 2025 was just incredible. I’m convinced we can compete (in the Champions League), and I’m hopeful that with the new manager Andoni Iraola we’ll move in the right direction. And then, of course, I dream of playing in the World Cup one day."

In a wide-ranging interview with France Football, Szoboszlai also addressed the perceived contrast between his flamboyant off-field persona and his efficient on-pitch approach. "I’d say both sides make up Dominik SzoboszlaiPlayer·Dominik Szoboszlai," he explained. "It’s just that I know when to switch modes. On the pitch, my mindset is all about streamlined efficiency - focusing on my job and the tasks I need to carry out - while off the pitch, I like to add a little extra flair." He dismissed elaborate showboating, emphasizing that football's competitive nature demands a focus on winning above all else.

Szoboszlai also shared a poignant reflection on the impact of Diogo JotaPlayer·Jota's death 12 months prior, noting the profound difficulty it posed for the squad. "It was incredibly hard for everyone because Diogo JotaPlayer·Jota was one of those players who always gave everything for the team," he said. "At the start of the season, we used that trauma as motivation, but it was a heavy burden to bear. Personally, I gave it my all throughout the season because I told myself that was what he would have wanted from each of us." He added that the team never collectively discussed the tragedy, leaving individuals to process their grief in isolation.