Virgil van Dijk hit out at a 'disrespectful' question asked to Arne Slot about Xabi Alonso's potential interest in the Liverpool job after the Reds' 3-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League
Paul Gorst Liverpool FC correspondent
14:11, 22 Jan 2026
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool speaks to the media in a post match press conference following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Olympique de Marseille and Liverpool FC at Stade de Marseille on January 21, 2026 in Marseille, France.
Virgil van Dijk has slammed the question to Arne Slot(Image: Stuart Franklin - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk has condemned a "disrespectful" question posed to Arne Slot that saw the Liverpool manager asked whether Xabi Alonso had approached him about taking over his role at Anfield.
The Reds skipper maintains that the entire squad continues to support their head coach following a 3-0 victory over Marseille in the Champions League that left them well-positioned to secure progression to the knockout rounds.
Slot, whose team are now undefeated in 13 matches stretching back to late November, was questioned during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday in France about whether Alonso, who was dismissed from his position at Real Madrid earlier this month, had contacted him regarding replacing him in the Anfield dugout.
READ MORE: Federico Chiesa injury update after Liverpool forward missed Marseille gameREAD MORE: Mohamed Salah sends Liverpool message as Arne Slot plan pays off - 5 talking points vs Marseille
The Reds manager dismissed it with laughter, describing it as "one of the weirdest" queries he had ever encountered in his career, and whilst Liverpool subsequently opted not to impose an official prohibition on the particular reporter, it is understood there were intentions not to respond to any additional questions from that specific journalist had they arisen in the post-match press conference.
"I think that was very disrespectful," Van Dijk said, after the win. "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.
Arne Slot during a Liverpool press conference.
Arne Slot during a Liverpool press conference.(Image: Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
"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.
"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."
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Liverpool will secure their place in the knockout rounds of the European Cup with a positive result against Azerbaijan outfit Qarabag next week and Van Dijk added: "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.
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"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."