Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has downplayed an apparent on-pitch argument with team-mates Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas over the captain's armband, insisting the matter has been "cleared" and there is no ill feeling between the trio. The incident, which occurred after a pre-season win over Wrexham in New York, drew attention after footage showed the players disputing who should wear the armband, with Tsimikas seen throwing it to the ground; the row matters mainly because it touched on Liverpool's leadership structure during a tour in which regular captain Virgil van Dijk was absent.

The dispute arose when Szoboszlai handed the armband to Tsimikas rather than Jones after being substituted, before Szoboszlai wore it himself for most of the trip and later gave it to Jones during Sunday's 4-2 defeat by Leeds. Szoboszlai, speaking in Chicago, said new manager Andoni Iraola has not yet discussed the vacant vice-captaincy, left open by Andy Robertson's move to Tottenham, and stressed he would be proud to take the role if offered but respects whoever is chosen. He also praised young midfielder Trey Nyoni's pre-season form and said the squad is using last season's disappointment as motivation ahead of a friendly against Monaco at Anfield.