Barnsley Manager Hits Out at 'Disrespectful' Dominik Szoboszlai as Arne Slot Makes Feelings Clear

In Liverpool's 4-1 victory over Barnsley in the third round of the 2025-2026 FA Cup at Anfield, a controversial moment involving midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai sparked backlash from the opposing manager.[1][2]

The match began dominantly for Liverpool, with Szoboszlai scoring a spectacular long-range goal in the ninth minute, followed by Jeremie Frimpong's effort to make it 2-0.[1][2] However, in the 40th minute, with Liverpool leading comfortably, Szoboszlai attempted a risky back-heel pass near his own goal line. The ball was mishandled, allowing Barnsley's Adam Phillips—a former Liverpool youth player—to intercept and score, reducing the deficit to 2-1 just before halftime.[1][2]

Barnsley manager Neill Horgan (or Conor Hourihane per some reports) expressed strong displeasure post-match, labeling Szoboszlai's action as "disrespectful." He stated, "I was a bit disappointed by the Liverpool player's play. I thought it was somewhat disrespectful," adding that such flair wouldn't occur against top teams like Chelsea or Arsenal.[1][2] Phillips' goal was hailed as a special moment, with Horgan noting the pride of scoring in front of the Kop.[2]

Liverpool boss Arne Slot acknowledged the error, calling it a "soft goal" that shifted momentum unnecessarily. "I have my thoughts on that choice... I will speak directly with Dominik," Slot said, highlighting a recurring issue of conceding easy goals when ahead, which complicates games.[1][2]

Liverpool sealed progression to the fourth round—against Brighton—with late second-half goals from Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, but Szoboszlai's risky play remained the talking point amid the win.[1][2]

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