The players still need to build rapport; Szoboszlai believes Liverpool are on a good starting line.

Liverpool, nicknamed the "Reds," drew 2-2 with Newcastle United in their opening Premier League match of the 2026/27 season, thanks to goals from Gakopo and Szoboszlai. Hungarian star Szoboszlai stated that the players still need to build chemistry under new manager Andoni Iraola, but he believes the team has taken a positive step.

Five minutes into the game, William Osura made a through pass from the center circle, and Anthony Elanga received the ball and fired a low shot into the net, giving Newcastle a dream start with a 1-0 lead.

In the 55th minute of the second half, Hrafinberg played a through ball to Gakopo, who followed up with a long-range shot from near the edge of the penalty area to equalize for Liverpool at 1-1. In the 57th minute, Visa passed the ball across to Willock, who received it and slotted a low shot into the net to put Newcastle ahead 2-1.

In stoppage time of the second half, Victor Muñoz was brought down by Lewis Hall while attempting a breakthrough, and the referee awarded Liverpool a penalty. Szoboszlai then converted the penalty, leveling the score at 2-2 for Liverpool.

Liverpool ultimately drew 2-2 with Newcastle at St. James' Park.

Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai said, "I did a lot of penalty training during preseason. We didn't get any penalties in the friendlies, but we practiced them a lot in training. So I want to thank the goalkeepers who have been training with me. We need to take the positives from this game. It's the first game of the new season, and we need to keep looking forward."

“I don’t know exactly how many people were there. Maybe there were 50,000 people on the opposite side of us when the penalty kick was taken. In fact, I couldn’t even hear my own voice. But that’s why we love football, that’s why I love football, and that’s how I play.”

Szoboszlai pointed out, "It's always very difficult to play here. The first game of the new season is away against Newcastle, and everyone knows how tough that is. Although we are well prepared, I think under the new manager, we still need to further improve our understanding of each other and be more aware of what's happening during the game."

"But coming back into the competition after being down 1-2 is actually a great start. Now we need to get ready again and work hard for next week's game."

Szoboszlai also said, "I think we have the ability to win the game, but that's football. In the Premier League, you never win any game easily, no matter who the opponent is. Newcastle is a very good team; they scored two goals through two transitions, and these are things we need to be aware of. We must also be more cautious in the coming weeks."

When asked what he learned under Andoni Iraola, Szoboszlai said, "We will never give up, I can guarantee that. We must fight on and persevere for the entire 95 minutes of the game."

“As you can see, the substitutes have had a great impact. Victor Muñoz made his Premier League debut and immediately won a penalty for the team. So, we need the strength of the whole squad, and everyone must be ready.”

Image source: Internet