Liverpool just completed a 4-1 victory over Barnsley in the FA Cup. Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong scored in the first half while Hugo Ekitiké and Florian Wirtz scored in the second half to put the game away. However, Arne Slot expressed displeasure with Szoboszlai’s misplayed backheel that led to a Barnsley goal.
“I don’t think you should do that in a FA Cup game, a League game or even in a training session,” Slot said. “It’s a weird choice. I also have other thoughts about it, but I don’t wish to share them publicly. It will be between me and Dom.”
Szoboszlai’s Mixed Bag
Even though Szoboszlai scored a stunner, his misplayed backheel in his own box cost the Reds a goal. He did not address the mistake directly but did speak with TNT Sports after the match.
We wanted to show that we take it [the FA Cup] seriously,” he said. “I think we always take it seriously [usually], but we showed again today that we need the whole squad. The new guys came in who didn’t play maybe as much as the others, but again they also showed quality. We need everyone."
Slot Happy With Goals
Arne Slot is happy with the amount of goals Liverpool scored, but says the Reds let Barnsley hang in the match too long.
“They were all good goals, really happy about that, but it was a tight, difficult game for too long, until the last five or 10 minutes,” he said. “We were up 2-0 and then gave away a goal. That mad it too difficult.”
Slot Praises Wirtz Impact
One of the players Slot was most pleased with today was Florian Wirtz as he made a big impact off of the bench with a goal and an assist in 30 minutes.
“Yes, it was very good,” he said. “Anytime you can come on the pitch and have a goal and an assist in 30 minutes and several other good moments besides, it’d good. That just goes to show that you have to respect this competition and the teams you play. With the subs, it was pretty much our best XI and Barnsley made it tough until the end.”
Up Next In The FA Cup
Liverpool will host Brighton sometime during the weekend of February 14th. LFC Globe will have the full details of the fixture when they are confirmed.
