Following the match, Szoboszlai expressed his disappointment to TNT Sports, stating, "Not enough fighting spirit, not enough mentality. Honestly, none of us were at our best. This is a difficult period, but the entire team must stick together."

Dominik Szoboszlai (left) reacts during Liverpool's 0-4 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England on 4/4. Photo: Offside

At Etihad Stadium on 4/4, Liverpool initially started well but quickly lost control of the game. Towards the end of the first half and into the start of the second, the visiting team conceded four goals rapidly, including a hat-trick from Erling Haaland and one goal from Antoine Semenyo.

This 0-4 defeat marks Liverpool's heaviest loss under Arne Slot and their most significant defeat since October 2020. It is also their 15th loss across all competitions this season, the highest number of defeats for Liverpool in a single season since 2014-2015, when they lost 18 matches under Brendan Rodgers.

Szoboszlai identified the turning point as occurring just before halftime when Liverpool conceded two consecutive goals. "When we were down 0-2, our chances diminished. We aimed to bounce back after the break but then conceded a third goal. From that point, a comeback was almost impossible," the Hungarian midfielder conceded. "Losing 0-4 is unacceptable."

Coach Arne Slot reacts during the match. Photo: Reuters

Sharing this view, Slot criticized his players for their lack of determination, particularly during the first 10-15 minutes of the second half, a period when the match was effectively decided. He stated, "I did not see fighting spirit, aggression in challenges, or the ability to trouble the opponent."

Many Liverpool fans began to leave the stadium after Erling Haaland scored the fourth goal in the 57th minute. Slot acknowledged the situation, saying, "We do not want that to happen. The team needs to play better and must show a reaction after this defeat."

The Dutch coach emphasized Liverpool's need to improve their defensive capabilities, especially ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg against PSG on 8/4. Simultaneously, he noted positive aspects from the first 35 minutes, adding, "There were many commendable things, but it would have been better if we could have scored from the opportunities created."

In attack, Mohamed Salah, playing his first match since announcing his departure from the club at the end of the season, missed 4 chances, including a penalty when the score was already 0-4. Hugo Ekitike also squandered two clear opportunities. Slot commented, "The problem is not individual. This entire season, our goal count is too low compared to the chances created, and it certainly does not meet Liverpool's standards."

Hong Duy (according to ESPN, The Guardian)