Dominik Szoboszlai has revealed the surprising pre-match incident that forced a key Liverpool player to start on the bench, clearing up the confusion among fans.
Before kickoff, something completely unexpected and disruptive happened — an issue so unusual that it left supporters questioning the lineup. Szoboszlai has now confirmed that the player in question fully intended to start and had been one of the standout performers in training all week.
Speaking to reporters, Szoboszlai explained:
“If his car hadn’t broken down on the way to the stadium, he would’ve been in the starting XI. And honestly, knowing him, he probably would have scored today. People don’t realise what players sometimes deal with before a match.”
The incident occurred less than an hour before kickoff, when the player’s car malfunctioned in heavy traffic. With no quick way to reach the stadium and time running out, he arrived too late for the staff to keep him in the original plan, forcing the coaches to put him on the bench.
According to team sources, the player was extremely disappointed and felt responsible, even though the situation was out of his hands. Manager Arne Slot was also said to be frustrated, calling it an unfortunate disruption to a lineup built around the player’s strengths.
Szoboszlai’s comments shed light on the unseen challenges footballers often face — from personal issues to unexpected logistical problems — long before they step onto the pitch.
Many Liverpool fans are now sympathising with the player and hoping he gets the chance to make up for the missed opportunity in the team’s next match.
If not for that unexpected breakdown, the conversation today might have been about his goal — not this unfortunate twist.
