Conor Hourihane, Barnsley's manager, expressed dissatisfaction with Dominic Szoboszlai's risky play that led to a goal for the visiting team, calling it an act of "disrespect."
On 13 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Conor Hourihane, Barnsley's manager, voiced displeasure over Liverpool midfielder Dominic Szoboszlai's behavior, describing it as "disrespectful" following a risky play during the FA Cup third round match at Anfield.
In the match, Liverpool led the League One side 2-0, with Szoboszlai scoring the opener in the 9th minute. However, before halftime, the Hungarian international attempted a backheel pass in his own half but lost possession to Adam Phillips, a former Liverpool youth player, who immediately punished the mistake by scoring for the visitors.
After the game, Hourihane said at the press conference,
"I was a bit disappointed by that player's action. I thought it showed disrespect to the opponents."
He added that he did not believe Szoboszlai would take such a risk against top-level teams.
"I don't think he would do that against Chelsea or Arsenal, and certainly not in a Champions League match. From my perspective, it reflects a lack of respect."
Nonetheless, Hourihane admitted he was very pleased with Adam Phillips' goal, a special moment for the player who came through Liverpool's academy.
"It was an incredible feeling for Adam to score in front of the Kop. It’s a moment he will remember for the rest of his life."
Although the goal wasn’t enough to change the outcome, it became a talking point of the game—both for the on-field mistake and the post-match drama from the visiting side.