“I was so tired!” – Liverpool star drops fitness hint ahead of Man United clash

Szoboszlai’s Admission Raises Concern Over Fatigue Ahead of Manchester United Clash

Liverpool’s preparations for their crucial Premier League encounter with Manchester United have been clouded by fatigue concerns surrounding midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. After a demanding international break with Hungary, the 23-year-old has openly admitted he is “exhausted” — a statement that could influence how Arne Slot sets up his side for Sunday’s showdown at Anfield.

Photo: IMAGO

Szoboszlai Reflects on Intense International Duty

Few Liverpool players have carried a heavier workload this season than Szoboszlai. The £60 million summer signing has been a constant presence under Slot, adapting to multiple roles and maintaining high performance levels amid tactical adjustments.

However, following a grueling pair of fixtures for Hungary, Szoboszlai has hinted at the toll the schedule is taking. Speaking to Nemzeti Sport, the Hungarian captain said:

“I’m proud of this whole team. We fought all the way through the game. We started well, there was a slight dip, but we got ourselves together. My goal depended on the fact that I was so tired that I couldn’t go for the short one anymore — I hoped it would come for the long one. I was confident until the end that we’d manage to equalise.”

His remarks underline just how demanding the international period has been. While Hungary’s progress in qualifying matches remains a source of pride for the midfielder, the physical and mental fatigue has clearly accumulated.

Fatigue and Form: A Balancing Act for Liverpool

Liverpool’s recent run has been inconsistent, with Slot still fine-tuning his side’s rhythm and balance. Szoboszlai’s exhaustion could be a concern, given his role as one of the team’s most energetic and creative outlets.

Despite being one of the standout performers since joining from RB Leipzig, Szoboszlai has at times been deployed out of position. Slot’s tactical flexibility — including experiments with Szoboszlai in wider and even defensive roles — has drawn mixed reactions. While his technical quality allows him to adapt, his recent comments suggest that overuse or misuse could start to affect performance levels.

The Hungarian’s physical strain also arrives at a crucial moment. Manchester United’s visit to Anfield is a fixture loaded with pressure and expectation, and Slot will need every ounce of energy from his key players.

Positional Dilemma Could Shape Liverpool’s Approach

There’s a growing feeling among supporters and analysts alike that Szoboszlai’s best performances come when he’s used in his preferred midfield role rather than being pushed into unfamiliar positions. His ability to dictate tempo, link play, and drive forward through midfield makes him an invaluable asset — but only if managed carefully.

Slot now faces a decision: continue with tactical experimentation or restore Szoboszlai to a role that maximises his influence while managing his fitness. The Liverpool manager has been open about wanting his team to play with intensity, but the Hungarian’s honesty about his fatigue could prompt a rethink.

Hungary Pride, Liverpool Priorities

For Szoboszlai, leading Hungary remains a personal honour, yet balancing international duty with Liverpool’s ambitions is becoming increasingly challenging. The midfielder’s commitment is unquestionable, but sustaining that level of effort across multiple competitions is testing even for players of his calibre.

As Liverpool aim to regain momentum in the Premier League, ensuring Szoboszlai’s freshness may prove vital. If managed correctly, his technical brilliance and leadership can again become decisive in matches of this magnitude.

Arne Slot will know that fatigue, if left unchecked, can quickly translate into diminished output — something Liverpool cannot afford in their bid to maintain pace with their title rivals. Sunday’s team selection could therefore reveal much about the manager’s priorities and Szoboszlai’s readiness to deliver once again on the biggest stage.