Hungary manager Marco Rossi has told Arne Slot to stop interfering over how much he plays Dominik Szoboszlai.
Szoboszlai is expected to feature heavily for his country during the international break, with Hungary set for friendlies against Slovenia and Greece.
Understandably, Slot railed against the lack of a break for most of the Liverpool squad after the Reds lost against Brighton last weekend. Seemingly taking his comments personally, Rossi has hit back at the Liverpool boss with a jibe over Szoboszlai’s recent stints at right-back.
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Hungary boss not a fan of Szoboszlai playing at right-back
Given that Hungary are playing friendlies, there is no real need for Szoboszlai to be involved for all of the 180 minutes.
Nevertheless, in comments from Nemzeti Sport, Rossi has defended his right to do as he pleases with his captain, just as Slot does while he’s playing for Liverpool.
“I have never spoken to Arne Slot,” said the Italian. “I never interfere in anyone’s decisions. Not even when he plays Dominik Szoboszlai as a full-back.”
“I would expect the club coaches not to tell the national team captains what to do. I am not obligated to play anyone.
“If Dominik said he wanted to rest – like anyone else – I would let him. Since he is the team captain, the national team jersey is very important to him.
“The best interests of the national team are the primary concern for everyone here, and for us to achieve good results.”
Analysis: No need for precious Rossi to hit back
A pattern is seemingly emerging with Rossi, who is more than happy to talk about what his captain is doing at Liverpool, but does not like any form of criticism by way of return.
The Italian manager recently declared that Szoboszlai dreams of playing for Real Madrid, sending the rumour mill into a frenzy.
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Interestingly, he was all too happy to talk about something which patently affected Liverpool then, so why should Slot not be able to comment the other way?
If he wants to play Szoboszlai for 180 minutes during two meaningless matches, he is of course within his rights to do so. However, he should also understand why that would be incredibly frustrating for Slot.
Szoboszlai plays a part in this too, clearly, with the 25-year-old always proud to wear the armband for his country.
Sometimes common sense has to prevail, however, but after another showing of unnecessary public petulance, it seems Rossi will simply do as he pleases. In our view, so should Slot.
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