Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has hit again at Wayne Rooney’s declare that the Reds’ latest poor kind 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 lately 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 steered 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 yr,” Van Dijk mentioned. “It doesn’t damage me. He’s a legend and I’ve bought respect for him, however I believe it’s a little bit of a lazy criticism.
“It’s straightforward in charge gamers, however we’re all working collectively to get via this. When issues go effectively, you don’t hear these feedback. It’s what it’s.
“[Pundits] have their jobs to do. He’s bought his opinion and that’s high-quality — 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 earth over the previous 5 years however mentioned he stood by his evaluation.
“I’ve bought full respect for Virgil — he’s a improbable participant,” Rooney mentioned. “However my job now as a pundit is to present my opinions.
“I’m positive when you 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 Centered on Restoration
Liverpool are presently third within the Premier League, seven factors behind leaders Arsenal, with two huge video games developing — 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 underneath strain, however this membership doesn’t make rash choices,” he mentioned.
“We imagine we are able to work our approach out of this. It’s not assured, but when we keep humble, maintain working and imagine in one another, we’ll flip it round.”
