Dominik Szoboszlai believes Andoni Iraola has already restored something Liverpool were missing, with the midfielder praising the head coach’s demanding approach during pre-season.
Dominik Szoboszlai believes Liverpool have already begun rediscovering one of the key ingredients that made the club so successful in previous years under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
The Hungarian midfielder has been among Liverpool’s standout performers during pre-season and is embracing the demands being placed on the squad as the Reds prepare for a new era.
After Liverpool’s latest friendly, Szoboszlai admitted the biggest difference since Iraola’s arrival has been the intensity surrounding both training sessions and matches, insisting the standards expected throughout the squad have noticeably increased.
“He is very good.
“The intensity we need is here now, what we have been missing is back.
“From the coach side and the players, now we have to put this together.”
Szobozlai’s Admission Suggest Buying In Period Has Begun
The comments are perhaps the clearest indication yet that Liverpool’s players have fully bought into Iraola’s methods.
Since arriving at Anfield, the Spaniard has repeatedly spoken about increasing the team’s intensity both in and out of possession, with his tactical philosophy centred around aggressive pressing, quick transitions and collective organisation.
Although Liverpool have enjoyed positive results during pre-season, Iraola himself has consistently downplayed the scorelines, insisting performances, fitness and tactical development remain the priority before the Premier League campaign begins.
Szoboszlai’s assessment suggests those ideas are already beginning to take hold, as the midfielder has looked particularly comfortable throughout pre-season, continuing the leadership role many supporters now expect him to fulfil following the departures of several senior figures earlier this summer.
The Hungarian’s Expectation As Key Member Of Iraola’s Plans
Having recently signed a new long-term contract with the club, the 25-year-old is expected to become one of the central figures in Iraola’s Liverpool project both on and off the pitch.
His praise for the new head coach will also encourage supporters eager to see Liverpool return to the high-energy style that has traditionally defined the club’s best teams, however like everyone else, there remains plenty of work to do before the Premier League opener.
Szoboszlai’s Verdict Breathes Excitement
Several senior players are only just returning from their extended summer breaks following the World Cup, while Iraola continues introducing his tactical ideas to an evolving squad.
However, if Szoboszlai’s verdict is anything to go by, the foundations are already being established and integrated into key foundations of the group.
Liverpool may still be a work in progress, but according to one of the dressing room’s most influential voices, the intensity that has long been associated with the club has already returned.
