In an awkward interview after their win against Real Madrid, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk questioned Wayne Rooney on the pundit’s criticism of his team’s leadership during its losing streak. Alexis Mac Allister’s second-half header secured a morale boosting 1-0 Champions League victory at Anfield. It was back-to-back wins and clean sheets for Liverpool after they ended a 4-game Premier League losing streak by beating Aston Villa.
Rooney, when Liverpool was at its lowest, said Van Dijk’s body language a “concern” and questioned if his captain’s leadership had been affected after signing a deal at the season’s end.
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Virgil van Dijk stated that some criticism of Liverpool was ‘over the Top’
Van Dijk said in his post match interview, while standing next to Rooney and after Liverpool’s victory, that the outside noise can be “over the top”, without mentioning the Manchester United legend. He then added, “It would also be great if ex-players who played at the highest levels, and dealt with difficult times, could put things into perspective.”
Rooney, who seemed taken aback at the defender’s remarks, replied: “I think that what I have said is fair.”
He said: “The response [to their struggles] It’s been great working with Virgil, and the whole team.”
Van Dijk disagreed, and said: “I would take responsibility if you watched games.””I’m not sure what you mean by saying that I signed a new deal and then I’m like, ‘that’s it,’ and let it go. [things] “Van Dijk and Rooney’s exchange in fullVan Dijk: “At times the noise was a lot.Van Dijk and Rooney’s full exchangeVan Dijk says: “At some points, the noise was too much. You need to get things in perspective and focus on your work.”It doesn’t really affect me, but I deal with other players who may be affected.”It is only fair if you as a Liverpool footballer lose four or five consecutive games. In that sense, it is normal.It’s also over the top sometimes, but it’s because we live in a time where so many people have so many platforms and can say things that will be picked up by others and made to seem bigger than they are.”I believe it would be beneficial for former players who played at the top level and dealt with difficult situations to put things in context.Rooney: “I won’t say any more, because I feel I’ve inspired them! They’re on a winning streak now! I believe what I said was fair.When you win the Premier League, and then go on a losing streak of three or four games, that’s not what you expect from Liverpool in the past few years.”Virgil as captain, this is your chance to lead the team. It happens in football, and I believe Virgil’s response was great.Van Dijk: If you watched games, I’d definitely accept the responsibility. I believe the comment that i signed my new contract, then it was like that’s all, and i let it slide. “I think that was a little…but it’s just my opinion.”[Asked if he uses things like that to motivate him]: “No. I want my performance to be for the whole team, club, and everyone that supports us.”When our team goes through a hard time, we’re losing matches, I’m lucky that it didn’t happen very often. It hurts so much. And I also want to turn things around because I can see the hardwork we do every day. “I can see our quality.”
2025-11-04 23:10:00
