Hungary Manager Marco Rossi Rejects Arne Slot Intervention Over Dominik Szoboszlai Usage Amid Positional Dispute

Marco Rossi defends his use of Dominik Szoboszlai after Arne Slot's plea for rest, as Steven Gerrard slams the Liverpool manager's tactical decisions.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 4:02 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

A Clash of Managerial Jurisdictions

The relationship between club and country coaching staffs has reached a point of public friction following Arne Slot’s recent appeal for national team managers to rotate their players. Slot specifically highlighted the heavy workload of his squad members, suggesting that international coaches should avoid playing key figures for a full 180 minutes over the break. However, Hungary’s Marco Rossi countered this by asserting his own professional autonomy, stating that he does not interfere with Slot’s tactical choices and expects the same courtesy in return. Rossi noted that while he never questioned Slot’s controversial decision to use Szoboszlai in a defensive role, he would not allow the Liverpool boss to dictate his own selection process for the Hungarian captain.

The Tactical Controversy of the Defensive Shift

Dominik Szoboszlai has emerged as Liverpool’s standout performer in an otherwise underwhelming campaign, yet his success has come despite a significant tactical shift. The 25-year-old has spent a large portion of the season operating as a makeshift right-back, a move by Slot that has polarized the Liverpool faithful and football analysts alike. While Szoboszlai’s individual quality has often saved the side from further disappointment, critics argue that his creative potential is being stifled by defensive responsibilities. This positional experiment has become a primary flashpoint for those seeking to explain Liverpool's lack of consistency in the current league table.

Gerrard Joins the Chorus of Tactical Disapproval

The debate over Szoboszlai’s optimal role was amplified by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who used the player's recent masterclass in a midfield role against Galatasaray to critique Slot’s management. Gerrard insisted that the Hungarian should be kept in his "proper position" to allow him to flourish as the creative engine of the team. The former captain’s comments reflect a broader sentiment that the current coaching staff is over-complicating the lineup at the expense of their most talented assets. Gerrard has further argued that the club must prioritize building their future around Szoboszlai, viewing him as one of five indispensable pillars for a necessary summer rebuild.