Liverpool midfielder, Dominik Szoboszlai, was due to play one match during the international break but a relocation has seen Hungary slam Bulgaria.
Szoboszlai is one of 18 Liverpool first-team players to represent their nation in the final international break of the year. However, there has been a lot of uncertainty over the first of his two qualifiers.
‘So strong’: Cody Gakpo says Liverpool have a defender who’s even better than Virgil van Dijk in training
Liverpool man, Szoboszlai would not be facing Bulgaria
Hungary were set to face Bulgaria on November 16 and Montenegro on November 19 as part of their Euros qualifiers.
Moreover, they would have ensured their Euro 2024 spot with a victory in their first match, against Bulgaria. But there were doubts over whether it would even take place.
Liverpool to sign a long-term replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold soon
Bulgaria had initially moved the match to behind closed doors and changed the venue of the game.
All of this was done in the fear of fan protests but their choice of arena was still under construction. Hence, it was deemed unfit to be used as a part of their qualifiers.
Authorities in Plovdiv, where the game had been selected to be played, revoked their authorization to host the match.
Tottenham star says Liverpool have ‘one of the best players in the history of the PL’
The Bulgarian Football Union had to scramble to play at the Vasil Levski National Stadium without spectators.
Moreover, UEFA received assurances that the match could be safely played out in Sofia. But the Hungarian football federation has slammed the Bulgarian Football Union, as they spoke via BBC.
“It is not even possible to organise a family holiday in this way, let alone an international football match with a huge stake, involving millions of people.”
‘Getting scared away’: Journalist shares Liverpool are hesitant about signing 22-year-old
Bulgaria’s actions were described as ‘unprecedented, totally unjustified and grossly unsportsmanlike.’ Hungary only received the details about the fixture 2 days before the date.
As captain of Hungary, Szoboszlai will feature prominently for his country. Although, from a Liverpool point of view, he could do with a rest should his side secure qualification on Thursday.
The No. 8 has played the second-most minutes of any Red so far this season (1,242). He has featured in all but one of Liverpool’s opening 18 games.
I’m a football enthusiast and an avid writer and someone who lives by the Bill Shankly quote, on a day to day basis.
