Dominik Szoboszlai has called on Liverpool to stop using being in a transitional period as an excuse and instead return to competing for major trophies.
The Reds remain unbeaten under new head coach Andoni Iraola, yet have dropped points in three of their five Premier League outings, leaving them six points adrift of early pacesetters Manchester City.
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Iraola was brought in following the dismissal of Arne Slot earlier this summer, after an underwhelming title defense that saw Liverpool scrape into the UEFA Champions League by finishing fifth.
Despite investing over £700 million ($927.4 million) on 11 new senior signings since their championship win less than 18 months ago, Liverpool have witnessed a steady stream of key departures, with Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konaté the most recent to exit during the latest transfer window.
Amid the considerable upheaval at Anfield in recent times, Szoboszlai is firm in his belief that the Reds cannot afford to keep adjusting, as per the Liverpool Echo.
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“It’s enough to speak about that we need time,” he said. “Obviously, last season things weren’t going well and we were saying that new players came in and a couple of players left, (such as) Lucho (Luis Díaz) and Darwin [Núñez], and it didn’t work out.
“So we were saying we need time because of the transition. Now we will say that Mo left, a legend and with all the respect. Robbo the same.
“Every year something is going to happen. So at one point we have to take the responsibility and stop making excuses, because we are Liverpool FC.
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“We don’t have three years to renew everybody and start again. So I think it starts now and we are there again. It’s a long season.”
Szoboszlai added: “I think our main point is to become a real family because then after that we can be successful. To talk is easy, but I think you also have to show it on the pitch…
“What this season is going to ask us is are we ready to compete again on the highest level? I think we are but we have to start to do it.”
Szoboszlai was appointed this summer alongside Joe Gomez and Alisson Becker as vice-captains, supporting captain Virgil van Dijk in the leadership group.
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And he said: “To be honest, I like to have responsibility. Maybe last season, I think on the pitch I actually tried to take responsibility and it worked out quite well.
“Now I maybe try to (take responsibility) off the pitch a little bit more, but I think in this team we have a lot of guys who like to take responsibility, which is nice and (makes it) easier for everyone.”
Szoboszlai was joined by Ryan Gravenberch and Milos Kerkez in the latest installment of ‘The Reds Roundtable’ presented by Standard Chartered, where he disclosed just how seriously he is embracing his new leadership role.
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“I’m one of the policeman, yes, for the fines,” said the Hungary international, to which Gravenberch continued: “I’m one as well, it’s just when people come in late. We can’t tell you the prices. It used to be a long list!”
Szoboszlai also delivered a message to the newest wave of signings, with Bradley Barcola, Jérémy Jacquet, Victor Muñoz and loan acquisition Ronald Araújo all arriving during the summer window.
“Believe that it’s one of the best clubs in the world and the best club in England,” he said. “And we have to play like that. The badge is very big and you have to make the supporters proud again.
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“We know how it feels to win the Premier League and from my side I don’t think anything felt like that before. Of course, we want to feel it again, and the same with the Champions League and with the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
“We are on it. But the only thing is they should make sure they give their best, we give our best and we become like a family.”
Gravenberch added: “If you come to Liverpool then you know already the badge is going to be heavy. The advice I can give them is just to be yourself, do what you do at the club you were at before.”
