Rossi Hits Back at Slot Over International Player Rest Plea

Hungary manager Marco Rossi has fired back at Liverpool boss Arne Slot over the Reds' attempts to manage international player workload during the current international break.

Slot has been vocal about his concerns regarding fixture congestion at Anfield, making a direct appeal to national team coaches to limit minutes for his squad members during these matches. Speaking to BBC Sport, the Liverpool manager expressed worry about the cumulative toll of back-to-back games across multiple competitions.

"The players need a break more than the manager does, but unfortunately they're forced to keep playing," Slot explained. "Hopefully the national team coaches will recognise that Liverpool players have accumulated significant minutes. Other clubs may have had more rotation flexibility than we've managed this campaign. Ideally, we'd have national team coaches who don't push players through 180 minutes across two fixtures."

Szoboszlai, who has been one of Liverpool's standout performers this season—featuring across multiple positions including right-back—is among those called up for Hungary's upcoming friendlies against Slovenia and Greece, alongside Reds teammate Milos Kerkez.

Rossi, however, was unimpressed by Slot's intervention. Speaking through Hungarian newspaper Magyar Hirlap, the Hungary boss made clear his position on the matter.

"I've never had a conversation with Slot about his team selection or tactical decisions," Rossi stated. "What I do expect is for him not to meddle in my affairs. The choice of who plays isn't mine alone—I'm not obligated to field anyone. Should Dominik request rest, naturally I'd grant it. But he's our captain, and representing the national team is his priority. If we needed to manage his energy for his benefit or anyone else's, that would be his decision. For us, the national team comes first right now, and we're focused on putting in strong performances."

Earlier this month, Slot had lavished praise on Szoboszlai's all-round contribution to Liverpool's campaign. "I can't stop raving about his qualities," the Reds manager said. "He's borderline ridiculous in everything he does—his work-rate is another level entirely, the pressing, the intensity, his technical ability, his football intelligence. Whether it's as an offensive midfielder, right-back, or right winger, he's been absolutely crucial for us this season and last. He'll remain vital to what we're trying to achieve."