Virgil van Dijk has been speaking ahead of Liverpool taking on Man City in the Premier League with Arne Slot still under pressure to improve performances and results
08:49, 06 Feb 2026
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.(Image: Sky Sports // YouTube)
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says his side has warranted some of the criticism it has faced this season, but he believes some of the analysis has tipped into "disrespect" for Arne Slot.
The Reds head into the weekend's game with Manchester City in improving form, but there is still a long way to go before they are back to their very best. Liverpool needs to secure Champions League soccer ahead of next season but is currently behind both Chelsea and Manchester United in the standings.
"Criticism for the season we are having is well-deserved because of the way we have been playing at times," Van Dijk told Sky Sports. "The way we have been losing games on the bounce, that's not the standard we set, especially last year.
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"But you have criticism and you have disrespect. I got asked the question last week about do I think the disrespect is well-deserved, and I don't know, because I don't read it at all times.
"We are in a process of things, and it takes time. From what I know, Liverpool is not a club that makes rash decisions, and they trust the process.
"But I know how the world works. I know the pressure that managers are under, and they are held responsible and accountable for the results we are getting.
"I still feel that it's a process. In my eyes, he deserves the respect and the chance to make sure that this process is going to end in a positive way."
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot embraces his captain, Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot embraces his captain, Virgil van Dijk.(Image: Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Slot still has the backing of the Liverpool hierarchy and there is an understanding that this season has been one of substantial change. However, missing out on the Champions League spots would be a huge blow. Xabi Alonso's firing at Real Madrid did nothing to stop speculation that a change could be coming.
On criticism more generally, Van Dijk says pundits and news outlets should be more careful in considering what they say. Recently, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez hit back at Paul Scholes and Nicky after the club's ex-players mocked him on their podcast.
"Criticism is absolutely normal and part of the game, and I think it should stay that way," Van Dijk continued.
"But sometimes criticism also goes into being clickbait, saying things to provoke things, and without thinking about the repercussions for a mental side of players, and especially the younger generation, who are constantly on social media.
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"You can say, 'yeah, you shouldn't be on social media' — that's what I've mentioned [to them] loads of times.
"There is always this thing of when you play a good game, younger players check all the positive praises, but when you have a worse game, and you're getting bullied all over social media, or you're getting bad criticism, it can really affect you.
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"I've seen that in certain players in the past, and currently as well, because it's just not easy.
"It's going to get worse and worse, because the platforms nowadays, with the clickbait and the headlines, everyone is on it constantly.
"I feel like especially the ex-pros, top players, who have been through everything as well, they have this responsibility of protecting a little bit of that side as well. That's something maybe to look at."