The Liverpool midfielder cleared the air about the viral captaincy drama and discussed his potential vice-captaincy role under new manager Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has publicly stated that he has successfully “cleared” the situation with teammates Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas. This clarification follows the emergence of a video last week that appeared to show the trio in a heated discussion over the captain’s armband.

The incident unfolded after Liverpool’s narrow 1-0 pre-season victory against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium in New York. Following the final whistle, as the team walked across the pitch to acknowledge supporters, Jones, Szoboszlai, and later Tsimikas, were filmed in what looked like an argument.

During the match, Szoboszlai had passed the captain's armband to Tsimikas instead of Jones when he was substituted off. The footage from after the game captured the Greece international left-back throwing the armband to the ground during the perceived disagreement, according to reporting by BBC Sport - Top Stories.

The Armband 'Discussion' on the Pitch

Dominik Szoboszlai quickly moved to downplay the significance of the widely circulated video. He insisted that the perceived argument was merely a discussion that gained exaggerated attention from the media.

“It was never a debate between us three,” the Hungary captain affirmed. “We just discussed something on the pitch. Which actually, after, you guys [the media] make it very big. But next time we will manage to do it in the changing room.” He further emphasized, “Nobody was angry at no-one. It's all cleared - we are cool.”

Indeed, in Liverpool's subsequent 4-2 defeat by Leeds on Sunday, Szoboszlai was seen passing the captain's armband directly to Curtis Jones, signaling that any previous misunderstanding had been resolved.

Vice-Captaincy Vacancy and Aspirations

With Andy Robertson’s departure to Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool’s vice-captaincy role is currently vacant. Szoboszlai, who led the side for the majority of their United States tour due to regular captain Virgil van Dijk’s absence and Joe Gomez's injury, acknowledged his pride in the temporary leadership role.

The 25-year-old midfielder revealed that new manager Andoni Iraola has not yet discussed the permanent vice-captaincy. “No, there hasn't been any conversation,” Szoboszlai stated. “Obviously we have Virgil as the captain. We have Ali [Alisson]. We have Joe Gomez. So there was no conversation at all.” He added, “It was a very proud moment to have it and let's see. It's not my choice. It's not fixed.” Szoboszlai made his aspirations clear, saying, “If you get offered the vice-captaincy at Liverpool, you're going to take it. It would be a proud moment for me.”

Pre-Season Impressions and Squad Readiness

Speaking to the media in Chicago before the Reds returned to the UK, Szoboszlai expressed his eagerness for the new Premier League season to begin. He hopes the squad will draw motivation from the disappointing previous campaign. “I feel we are ready to go again and take motivation from the last season, because it was not the best,” he remarked. “We didn't end up where we wanted to, so now we're going to go for it again.”

Szoboszlai praised 19-year-old Trey Nyoni, highlighting him as one of pre-season’s standout performers. Nyoni, who only played 229 minutes under former boss Arne Slot last season, is now expected to feature more prominently under Iraola. “I always knew that he's a good player. In training, he showed his quality many times,” Szoboszlai said, emphasizing, “The squad is short, so we need everybody.” He also confirmed that it is a “clean slate” for all players under the new manager, with everyone starting “on zero.”

Clarifying Mac Allister's Return to Liverpool

Dominik Szoboszlai also took the opportunity to clarify a previous statement he made regarding Alexis Mac Allister’s return, which had caused some confusion. He explained that his English phrasing was the reason for any misunderstanding.

“That's my English, guys. It's not ‘if’ - it's ‘when’ he comes back,” Szoboszlai clarified. “So now I make it clear. He's coming back and he's going to be part of the team as much as I know.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Liverpool captain's armband incident about?

The incident involved Liverpool midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and Kostas Tsimikas seemingly arguing over the captain's armband after a pre-season friendly against Wrexham. Szoboszlai had given the armband to Tsimikas instead of Jones, and Tsimikas was filmed throwing it to the ground.

How did Dominik Szoboszlai explain the armband situation?

Dominik Szoboszlai clarified that it was “never a debate” but simply a discussion on the pitch that the media exaggerated. He stated, “Nobody was angry at no-one. It's all cleared - we are cool.”

Who is Liverpool's current vice-captain after Andy Robertson's departure?

The vice-captaincy role at Liverpool is currently vacant following Andy Robertson's transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. New manager Andoni Iraola has not yet discussed the position, though players like Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez are also potential candidates, and Szoboszlai has expressed interest.

Is Alexis Mac Allister returning to Liverpool for the new season?

Yes, Dominik Szoboszlai clarified his earlier statement, confirming that Alexis Mac Allister is definitely returning to Liverpool. He stated, "It's not ‘if’ - it's ‘when’ he comes back."

What are Dominik Szoboszlai's thoughts on Liverpool's pre-season and manager Andoni Iraola?

Szoboszlai feels the squad is ready for the new season, drawing motivation from the previous one. He praised new manager Andoni Iraola for creating a "clean slate" where everyone is motivated and starting "on zero," with players needing to impress to secure a spot.