Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has hit again at Wayne Rooney’s declare that the Reds’ current poor type is because of an absence of management, calling the remark “lazy criticism”.
Liverpool began the 2025–26 Premier League season strongly with 5 wins, however have since struggled and not too long ago suffered 4 league defeats in a row, together with a 3–1 loss at Brentford.
After that defeat, former England and Manchester United star Rooney prompt that Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah had not proven sufficient management this season.
Nevertheless, Van Dijk dismissed the remarks after Liverpool ended their shedding streak with a win over Aston Villa on Saturday.
“I didn’t hear him final 12 months,” Van Dijk mentioned. “It doesn’t damage me. He’s a legend and I’ve acquired respect for him, however I feel it’s a little bit of a lazy criticism.
“It’s simple in charge gamers, however we’re all working collectively to get by way of this. When issues go properly, you don’t hear these feedback. It’s what it’s.
“[Pundits] have their jobs to do. He’s acquired his opinion and that’s advantageous — I don’t take it personally.”
Rooney Stands by His Phrases
Talking on his podcast, Rooney praised Van Dijk as top-of-the-line defenders on the planet over the previous 5 years however mentioned he stood by his evaluation.
“I’ve acquired full respect for Virgil — he’s a improbable participant,” Rooney mentioned. “However my job now as a pundit is to provide my opinions.
“I’m positive for those who requested him or Arne Slot, they’d admit he hasn’t fairly been at his greatest this season. That’s all I meant, and I stick by it.”
Liverpool Targeted on Restoration
Liverpool are at present third within the Premier League, seven factors behind leaders Arsenal, with two huge video games arising — Actual Madrid within the Champions League on Tuesday, adopted by a Premier League conflict with Manchester Metropolis on Sunday.
Van Dijk additionally defended supervisor Arne Slot, who has confronted rising media strain.
“I’ve heard the reviews in regards to the supervisor being below strain, however this membership doesn’t make rash selections,” he mentioned.
“We imagine we are able to work our manner out of this. It’s not assured, but when we keep humble, hold working and imagine in one another, we’ll flip it round.”
