Andy Robertson Calls for Improved Focus from Liverpool Teammate Dominik Szoboszlai

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has labeled teammate Dominik Szoboszlai’s careless backheel against Barnsley as “unacceptable” and acknowledged that the team must refrain from offering encouragement to their opponents if they wish to achieve success.

During their FA Cup third round match against League One Barnsley, Liverpool was leading 2-0 when Szoboszlai’s mishandled clearance allowed midfielder Adam Phillips to score, narrowing the deficit.

Despite Liverpool ultimately securing a 4-1 victory, Szoboszlai faced significant criticism for his mistake, with Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane deeming it “disrespectful.”

When asked if Szoboszlai’s decision allowed the visitors back into the game at Anfield, Robertson remarked, “That’s putting it nicely! The frustrating aspect is that Dom made an incredible 60-yard sprint to start with, earning applause from the Kop, and I wonder if that went to his head.

“We can laugh about it now, but it’s unacceptable to concede a goal like that. Dom is aware of that; he has been outstanding for us this season, and he was solid again. However, he experienced a lapse in concentration, which we cannot afford too many of in the six-yard box. I doubt Gio [Mamardashvili] was too pleased with it.

“He aims to keep a clean sheet, and the defense shares that goal, so it was not ideal. It allowed them a pathway back into the match, and it stayed at 2-1 for quite some time, which made it a bit nerve-wracking. However, we managed to pull through in the end.

“At the time, I think we all had a word with Szoboszlai, but he recognized his mistake and apologized at halftime. This season, his performances have been beyond reproach; he has given 100% in every game, and this moment of concentration lapse shouldn’t overshadow that. We simply cannot afford such errors in the more significant matches.”

Reflecting on Liverpool’s tendency to grant opponents opportunities, Robertson expressed, “That is the most frustrating part. This season, we have allowed teams back into matches far too often. Since the opening game, we have been punished on several occasions, whether through losses or draws.

“At 2-0, we appeared to be in control, so for that to happen raised questions. It is fair to say it was an individual mistake, but we managed to limit their chances, which is encouraging. Then it was just about securing the third and fourth goals. Our substitutes made a significant impact.

“These matches are about progressing. We have seen several Premier League teams bow out against lower-tier opposition, and thankfully, that wasn’t our fate.

“We have shown improvement in recent weeks, looking more secure defensively, which is pleasing. However, we now need to consolidate our efforts as people are suggesting we lack an attacking threat.

“We need to regain both aspects because at the season’s outset, we excelled offensively but were perhaps too vulnerable defensively. Now, we seem to have reversed that trend.

“To win trophies and advance in competitions, achieving the right balance is essential, and that is the goal we are striving towards.”