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Szoboszlai Defends Tunnel Kick-ups Ahead of Man Utd Clash
9 May
Summary
- Szoboszlai defended pre-match keepy-uppy ritual as a long-standing team practice.
- He stated the warm-up hour before the game was not disrespectful to opponents.
- The midfielder emphasized player readiness regardless of the pre-game activity.
Dominik Szoboszlai has defended a pre-match keepy-uppy ritual performed by himself and several Liverpool teammates in the tunnel before their recent 3-2 loss to Manchester United. Critics suggested the activity was disrespectful and indicated a lack of focus.
Szoboszlai explained in an interview that this keepy-uppy session has been a regular practice for the team for the past two seasons. He emphasized that it's a way for the players to connect and engage with the game before kickoff, rather than sitting separately in the dressing room. He assured that the team maintains full readiness for the match an hour after such activities.
Commentary suggests that the criticism is an overreaction, noting that no complaints were raised when similar rituals occurred during Liverpool's successful Premier League title run. The article points out that the match's outcome was more likely due to a poor first-half performance and a lack of intensity, as previously highlighted by figures like Roy Keane.
The team's mentality has also been a topic of discussion, with Mo Salah reportedly expressing 'concerns'. Ultimately, the most effective way for Szoboszlai and his teammates to silence criticism is through winning matches, starting with their upcoming fixture against Chelsea.
