Liverpool F.C. Saw a rare on-pitch disagreement between Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai during their 1-0 pre-season victory over Wrexham at Yankee Stadium, with the captain’s armband at the centre of the tension.
Szoboszlai, who provided the assist for Rio Ngumoha’s winning goal, was substituted in the second half. As he left the pitch, he removed the captain’s armband and handed it to Kostas Tsimikas, who had entered at half-time. A heated exchange then unfolded between Szoboszlai, Jones and Tsimikas after the final whistle, with Tsimikas dramatically throwing the armband onto the turf. Jones, 25, picked it up before the situation was defused.
Fans speculated that Jones was frustrated by Szoboszlai’s decision to pass the armband to Tsimikas rather than himself. The young Scouser, a product of Liverpool’s academy, appeared visibly agitated during the discussion. Szoboszlai later downplayed the incident, stating, “We are all in the same boat, and we want the best for the club and for each other.” Liverpool finished the 2025 Premier League season in 5th place with 60 points (17W-9D-12L), scoring 63 goals and conceding 53.
The Reds conclude their pre-season tour with a match against Leeds United in Chicago on Sunday, followed by friendlies against Monaco and Como. Their Premier League campaign begins on 22 August against Newcastle United. Iraola has already praised Jones, saying, “I rate Curtis very highly. For me, he is a great, great player.” Virgil van Dijk remains the club captain, with Andy Robertson’s summer departure to Tottenham leaving a leadership gap.
