Dominik Szoboszlai interview causes a stir as private Andoni Iraola talks emerge

Dominik Szoboszlai has raised eyebrows with his comments ahead of Liverpool'sChampions League opener against Atletico Madrid. The midfielder enjoyed a stellar individual campaign last time around, even if his team-mates struggled under former manager Arne Slot. Szoboszlai was mainly deployed in the centre of the park, where he earned plaudits for his performances, but there were occasions where he was asked to fill in at right-back. Such is Szoboszlai's quality, he managed to cope with the shift well, but speaking ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Atletico, he has made his feelings clear on being asked to do that again. Speaking alongside Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard for HBO Max, Szoboszlai remarked: "I think he [Andoni Iraola] made it clear that I'm not going to play right back, which meant a lot to me. But if he needs me there, obviously I'll be available." The only issue with that comment is that Iraola has already used Szoboszlai at right-back this season. The former RB Leipzig man was pushed into right-back midway through last month's draw with Nottingham Forest at Anfield, following the substitution of Jeremie Frimpong. EXPRESS SPORT ON FB!Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page Szoboszlai went on to add: "The only position I really didn't like was number seven (on the wing)." While on his favourite position, he said: "Eight, or 10. Like a box-to-box eight." But that comment isn't without a complication of its own, given Iraola's tactics might not allow for such a role. So far this season, when playing in midfield, Szoboszlai has been asked to influence the play from deep, with Florian Wirtz tasked with operating in advanced positions. Andoni Iraola has already gone back on his word (Image: Getty) After a stuttering start to the Premier League season, Liverpool's attention turns to the Champions League, with Wednesday's clash the first taste of a European night for Iraola as manager. On the match-up, he said: "Obviously it is a special night for me; everyone talks about Champions League nights at Anfield. "It's one of the dreams, probably, when you start. It was difficult for me when I started my coaching career seven, eight years ago, to put myself in the position that I am right now and I hope I can enjoy it. It's a big responsibility, massive challenge, but I feel privileged to be there in that dugout (on Wednesday)." Adding: "It's a massive test for the team overall and I think it will show us a little bit also where we are."