In the high-pressure world of football management, every decision can define a career, and few understand this better than Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola. Renowned for his tactical brilliance, Guardiola recently offered straightforward advice to Liverpool manager Arne Slot regarding the use of a key player in his squad.
Guardiola’s comment—“He’s a big player. Maresca has learnt his lessons the hard way. He will NEVER bench him again except he wants to lose his job”—emphasizes the importance of properly utilizing top talent. While his reference to “Maresca” may have been a mistake, likely meaning Slot, the message is clear: sidelining star players can have serious consequences for a manager.
This sentiment is particularly relevant to Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. Signed from RB Leipzig as a dynamic attacking midfielder, Szoboszlai initially struggled to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity. Under Jürgen Klopp, he was used as a right-sided central midfielder, but injuries and inconsistent performances led to criticism, especially after disappointing displays in key losses to Atalanta and Everton.
However, Szoboszlai’s fortunes changed with Slot’s arrival. The new manager adjusted his role, pushing him into a more advanced attacking position alongside the central forward. This shift played to his strengths, allowing him to contribute both offensively and defensively. His improved form is reflected in his stats: seven goals and six assists this season, putting him on track for career-best numbers.
A standout moment came in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Newcastle, where Szoboszlai scored the opener and dominated the midfield, winning seven out of nine ground duels, making five tackles, and registering two clearances. His relentless energy has earned him the nickname “machine” among fans and analysts.
Slot has publicly praised Szoboszlai’s contributions, but his management style has also involved tough love, particularly with striker Darwin Núñez. After Núñez missed a crucial chance in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, Slot criticized his reaction, stressing that effort and attitude matter just as much as finishing.
Guardiola’s remarks serve as both a warning and validation of Slot’s approach. At a club like Liverpool, where expectations are sky-high, leaving out a key player can backfire not just on the pitch but on a manager’s future.
Ultimately, Slot’s success at Liverpool depends on his ability to balance tactical vision with effective player management. As Guardiola’s words suggest, the margin for error is small, and keeping players like Szoboszlai at the heart of the team will be crucial for both Liverpool’s ambitions and Slot’s own tenure.
