“I don’t think so” – International boss refuses to copy one thing Arne Slot has done this season
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Hungary national team manager Marco Rossi has clarified that Dominik Szoboszlai, the team's captain and key playmaker, will not be deployed as a right-back for the upcoming World Cup qualifier match against the Republic of Ireland. Despite Szoboszlai's successful role as a makeshift right-back for Liverpool this season under manager Arne Slot, Rossi emphasized that Szoboszlai will play in a position where he is most comfortable and useful for Hungary, which is primarily in midfield.
At 24 years old, Szoboszlai is considered Hungary's best player and a vital leader, having captained the team for nearly three years. Rossi prefers to utilize Szoboszlai in a deeper midfield role similar to Andrea Pirlo, although Hungary's tactical needs often require him to operate in more advanced playmaking positions within their favored 3-4-2-1 formation. Szoboszlai's versatility is widely acknowledged, but for the national team, his impact is maximized in midfield rather than defense.
Rossi highlighted the importance of the upcoming match, as Hungary aims to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1986. However, he noted that his motivation has remained consistently at 100% since he began coaching the national team seven years ago, so the pressure of ending the qualification drought does not weigh unusually on him.
Szoboszlai's leadership extends beyond his playing positions—he is known to lead by example both on and off the pitch, encouraging teammates during challenging moments by assuring them to rely on his skill to regain control. His transfer to Liverpool has also been seen as a significant development for Hungarian football, reinforcing his central role in the national squad's future ambitions.
PP