Virgil van Dijk in a post-match interview.
Virgil van Dijk has fumed over a question to Arne Slot. (Image: Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk has slammed a "disrespectful" question posed to Arne Slot, in which the Liverpool boss was asked whether Xabi Alonso had been in touch about replacing him at Anfield. The Reds skipper maintains the entire squad remains fully supportive of their head coach following a commanding 3-0 victory over Marseille in the Champions League that has left them well positioned to secure progression to the knockout rounds.
Slot, whose team have now gone 13 matches without defeat, stretching back to late November, faced the extraordinary question during Tuesday's pre-match press conference in France about whether Alonso, who was dismissed from his role at Real Madrid earlier this month, had approached him regarding taking over at Anfield.
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The Liverpool boss dismissed it with laughter, describing it as "one of the weirdest" queries he had encountered in his managerial career, and whilst the club opted against imposing an official ban on the specific journalist, it is believed there were contingency plans to ignore any subsequent questions from that reporter during the post-match briefing.
"I think that was very disrespectful," Van Dijk said. "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 [at the game].
"I think 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.
"I think 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.
"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 results 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.
"We were all disappointed in the fact we dropped points [against Burnley] but also then we have to discuss why we dropped points as we had so many chances and then they had maybe one or two and scored and the reality is you drop points and that's frustrating.
"It's how you react four days later and we had a good performance offensively and defensively and now it is important how we react to this because Bournemouth will make it very difficult for us, especially at their place.
Arne Slot hugging Joe Gomez.
Arne Slot has been defended by his captain. (Image: Getty Images)
"It is definitely difficult but also because of the fact we don't have that consistency that we had last year – yet. Hopefully we will find it ASAP.
"That is something we work on but you also need no injuries and that unfortunately we have. It's a combination of everything but the only thing we can do – and will do – is try to find that consistency and there's a good chance every three to four days.
"Now it is down to us, not only the starting XI but everyone as a whole, to go to Bournemouth and be ready for a big fight as well and show the best Liverpool we can be because we can be very good."
Liverpool will secure their place in the knockout rounds of the Champions League with a favourable result against Azerbaijani outfit Qarabag next week, and Van Dijk continued: "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.
"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.
"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; home tomorrow, 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."