Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk had strong words for one reporter after Arne Slot was asked a “very disrespectful” question about Xabi Alonso this week.
Slot batted away “one of the weirdest questions” he has ever faced as a coach on Tuesday when he was pressed on rumours linking Alonso with his job.
Framed as a question on the pressure Slot is facing at Liverpool, the journalist – believed to be one of the local media in Marseille – asked him if he was “hurt” by the claims.
Van Dijk has since blasted that line of questioning as “very disrespectful.”
“
“I think that was very disrespectful.
“Criticism is part of the game, we all know that, but I think there’s also a reason why he’s not here, the journalist.”
Virgil van Dijk
“I think that was very disrespectful,” he said in the mixed zone after Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Marseille.
“Criticism is part of the game, we all know that, but I think there’s also a reason why he’s not here, the journalist.
“I think it’s disrespectful, I think everyone agrees with that.
“Criticism is part and parcel for us, it’s what we live with and that’s absolutely justified if you look at what we do in the season – unfortunately for us, but it is, especially based on last season – but when I heard about it…”
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 10, 2025: Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Arne Slot before the FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Palace won 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Propaganda)
While there has been clear criticism from certain players, chiefly Mohamed Salah, over how Liverpool have operated this season, Van Dijk has remained staunch in his backing of Slot.
After losing nine games in a run of 12, the Reds are now unbeaten in their last 13 and there is a sense within the squad that a corner is being turned.
“We always work on things we can improve,” Van Dijk continued.
“But we also have to not forget that, with all the changes in the summer, with different faces, different styles of player, different combinations, connections you have to form, it takes a bit of time.
“Obviously training helps with that, but games even more.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, January 20, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Olympique de Marseille and Liverpool FC. (Photo by Jessica Hornby/Propaganda)
“So listen, it’s been a very difficult first part of the season, for us players but for the manager as well.
“But in my opinion he handled it very well. At the end of the day we’re in a results business and we all get judged, players and the manager and everyone involved with the results.
“That’s what we are working on to improve that on a consistent basis.”
Liverpool’s No. 4 added: “Personally, because I can only speak for myself, 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. I think we will get there. I’m not worried about it.”