The Hungary international, 25, was at the centre of the controversy after a costly first-half error allowed League One Barnsley back into the third-round tie of their match on Monday (12.01.26), prompting post-match criticism from the visiting side.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Slot said: “I was happy with the goals we scored. But I think it was far too long a game that was tight. Two-nil up then giving a goal away like that made it difficult, five or 10 minutes until the end. Then one bad moment and it could have been 2-2.
“I’m happy with the goals, but we didn’t create enough chances from all the ball possession we had.”
Szoboszlai, had earlier given Liverpool the ideal start with a powerful long-range strike inside the opening 10 minutes, underlining why he has been one of Slot’s most influential performers this season.
Jeremie Frimpong soon doubled the advantage, seemingly putting the Premier League side firmly in control.
However, momentum swung just before half-time when Szoboszlai attempted to play out from the back inside his own penalty area.
Under pressure, he misjudged a back-heel pass to goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, gifting possession to former Liverpool academy player Adam Phillips, who converted to make it 2-1.
Barnsley grew in belief after the break and felt they should have been awarded a penalty just after the hour when Szoboszlai tangled with forward Reyes Cleary, though referee Farai Hallam waved play on.
Liverpool eventually pulled clear late on, with substitutes Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike scoring to seal progression to a fourth-round tie with Brighton.
When informed of Hourihane’s criticism, Slot responded cautiously.
He said: “I don’t think you should do that in a Premier League game, League Cup game, friendly game or a training session. It’s a weird choice and I also have my opinion about it, but I prefer to keep that to myself and speak about it with Dom.”
Hourihane was far less reserved in his assessment of the incident that led to Barnsley’s goal.
He said: “I was a little bit disappointed with our goal. I don’t think a player does that against Chelsea, against Arsenal or in a Champions League game. I thought my lads were top.”
Asked directly whether he felt Szoboszlai’s action was disrespectful, the former Republic of Ireland midfielder added: “Yeah, potentially. He doesn’t do that against Arsenal, Chelsea or a Champions League game. He doesn’t do that.”
