New video shows what sparked the heated argument between Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai during Liverpool’s friendly match.
New video has come out showing what seemed like a disagreement between Curtis Jones and his teammate Dominik Szoboszlai after Liverpool’s 1-0 pre-season friendly win against Wrexham.
Liverpool won their second game under new coach Andoni Iraola, thanks to Rio Ngumoha’s goal in the 75th minute against the Championship team. This match was part of their pre-season tour in the United States. They had already beaten Sunderland 4-2 in Nashville on Saturday.
Liverpool played a mostly young team in New York since many first-team players were still resting after the World Cup. Two key players, midfielders Jones and Szoboszlai, have been with the squad throughout pre-season. Neither played in the World Cup—Jones wasn’t picked for England’s final squad, and Hungary, with Szoboszlai, didn’t qualify.
Szoboszlai started the game and was taken off at 75 minutes, while Jones came on at halftime. But after the match, videos on social media showed them having a heated argument as they left the pitch.
A new clip shows the two in a serious talk with left-back Kostas Tsimikas. At one point, Tsimikas took off his captain’s armband and threw it on the ground. Szoboszlai had been captain during the game, and Tsimikas took the armband when Szoboszlai was substituted.
Jones then argued with Tsimikas, picked up the armband, hugged Szoboszlai, and clapped for the fans in New York. But tensions rose again between Jones, Szoboszlai, and Tsimikas. Jeremie Frimpong stepped in and led Jones away.
When asked about the argument before their next match against Leeds, Szoboszlai gave a careful answer. He said that some older players have left, and though they might not be the oldest, they’ve been around a long time. He mentioned other players like Flo Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch, and Virgil Van Dijk as examples.
Szoboszlai said they all want the best for the club and each other, and they will follow their captain Virgil and the coach. He added that they want to succeed this season, even if it takes time with a new manager and changes in the team. He’s hopeful things will work out in the long run.