Portugal Colonial - Szoboszlai warns time against Liverpool in quest for Champions League place

The Hungary captain said he understood why many fans left Anfield early -- as some did even before Richarlison scored in the 90th minute to snatch a 1-1 Premier League draw for struggling Tottenham on Sunday -- but urged them to stand by Arne Slot's side.

Many of those who remained inside booed at the final whistle after reigning Premier League champions Liverpool missed a chance to move ahead of Aston Villa into fourth.

They did gain one place and one point over Chelsea but conceding a goal in the 90th minute or later for the eighth time this season proved costly.

"It's a good question. If I knew the answer I would be the first one to go to the team and say it," said Szoboszlai when asked why Liverpool continue to drop late points.

"A couple of weeks ago we had a talk between each other saying 'Guys we don't have such a lot of time to do this right so we have to wake up and start to go in a way that we want to play Champions League next season'," added the Hungary captain, whose first-half free-kick gave Liverpool the lead against Spurs.

"It's a little bit boring when I say this but we still need to find a solution because we are running out of time."

The midfielder accepted Liverpool did not offer the crowd much to cheer after he scored his fourth free-kick of the season but called urged them to see games out as early departures were noticed by players.

"I don't say they have no right to leave the stadium, they can leave if they want," he said. "We need them and they should know this. We are one less without them.

"It should be normal that in hard times we stick together more because that's what we need, we need each other.

"We want to make them happy, it's not that we do it on purpose. Last year it was enjoyable to watch all the games but this year maybe it's not that enjoyable, for sure, I can imagine.

"I don't think it helps us also that after 80 minutes people start to go home, it doesn't help us at all. Stick with us."

P.Cavaco--PC