Virgil van Dijk has hit back at Liverpool’s critics including a ‘disrespectful’ journalist who bizarrely asked boss Arne Slot when Xabi Alonso would be replacing him.
The Reds recorded a statement victory away at Marseille on Wednesday to take their unbeaten streak to 13 games.
But despite the pleasing run, there have still been an army of critics and Slot has had to field some tough questions – none worse than a foreign reporter who quizzed him on apparent rumours that Alonso would be coming to Liverpool after he left Real Madrid last week.
‘That was very disrespectful,’ said Van Dijk. ‘Criticism is part of the game, we all know that, but I think it is also a reason why he (the journalist) is not here.’
‘Criticism is part and parcel for us, that’s what we live with and it’s absolutely justified if you look at what we are doing in the season unfortunately for us, especially based on last season.’
It is believed the journalist was not officially banned but he kept a low profile after the game at Stade Velodrome as he was perhaps aware of his harsh line of questioning, that also involved him telling left back Milos Kerkez he has no on-pitch relationship with Cody Gakpo.
Van Dijk insists he is fully behind boss Slot and says the manager has handled a tough season very well.
The captain added: ‘We always work hard on things we can improve but we also don’t forget that with all the changes in the summer, with different faces and style of players, different combinations you have to find training helps with that, matches even more.
Virgil van Dijk leapt to the defence of his manager in the wake of ‘disrespectful’ comments made towards Arne Slot
Slot was asked when Xabi Alonso would be replacing him as Liverpool boss in a press conference ahead of the Marseille game
Alonso, a former Liverpool player, was sacked as Real Madrid manager this month and has long been linked with a return to Anfield as a coach
‘So it’s been a very difficult part of the season for us players and the manager as well but in my opinion he handled it very well.
‘At the end of the day we are in a result business and we all get judged – players, the manager and everyone involved with the results – and that is what we are working on to improve on a consistent basis.
‘I see the progress we are making but that has also been in many other games we have played this season. Consistency is the thing which probably gives you at the end of the season silverware or success and that’s something we still have to look for.
‘Today was a good day for us, I’m pleased for the fans that travelled all the way here who were outstanding, but three points – nothing more – and we move on. (We go) home on Thursday, fly to Bournemouth on Friday, then we play Bournemouth and then we train Sunday.
‘Monday, Tuesday and then Champions League again! It’s like every three or four days you have to be there and not get carried away. Today was a good day but that’s it.’
He did, though, admit that the performance and result in France should give players and fans hope that the season can still be a success.
‘If you’re not hopeful as a Liverpool player or fan and don’t have a little bit of something to look forward to then obviously that’s an issue,’ Van Dijk added.
‘Personally, I’m very hopeful. I enjoy being part of the club and difficult days will always be there, it’s how you deal with it and I think we will get there. I’m not worried about that.’
Liverpool travel to Bournemouth on Saturday. It is unclear whether Ibrahima Konate, who was at home in France due to a private family matter, will return. Federico Chiesa is also nursing an injury and withdrew from the substitutes’ bench in Marseille.
