Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has spoken out about the reports that emerged before Arne Slot's official exit from the club over the weekend
Virgil van Dijk has reacted to Arne Slot's departure
Virgil van Dijk has reacted to Arne Slot's departure(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Virgil van Dijk has criticised the 'leaks' surrounding Arne Slot's recent departure, with the Liverpool captain revealing that was how he first learned of the news.
The Reds took the decision to part ways with Slot after an underwhelming campaign saw them finish fifth in the Premier League, which was enough to qualify for the Champions League.
Van Dijk is the first Liverpool player to publicly respond to Slot's departure, with the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister and several others also offering their best wishes.
"I landed in Amsterdam on Saturday afternoon and it had already leaked," Van Dijk told NOS after the Netherlands' defeat to Algeria on Wednesday. "After that, of course, I had conversations. But the decision had already been made earlier. It is not like they are asking me how or what.
"I have spoken with Arne and with Sipke (Hulshoff, assistant coach). That is the most important thing for me. I am very grateful to them. For everything they have meant, not only to me but also to the club. I wish them nothing but success."
He added: "We are now living in a world where everyone [every journalist] wants to be the first person to break the news. These people are the ones that benefit from it. Yeah... this is the reality."
In Liverpool's official statement confirming his immediate exit, it was made clear that work to find a replacement was already under way, and it swiftly emerged that the club had set their sights on Andoni Iraola.
Talks between both parties progressed swiftly, with the former Bournemouth manager poised to be unveiled as Liverpool's new head coach within the coming days.
The 43-year-old will be expected to sign a two-year deal at Anfield and is keen for Pablo de la Torre, Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper and Tom Webber to follow him as part of his backroom team.
Andoni Iraola during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth at City Ground.
Andoni Iraola is expected to be the next Liverpool boss(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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He will also be reunited with former Bournemouth duo Milos Kerkez and sporting director Richard Hughes, with transfer business firmly on the latter's agenda.
For the majority of players, though, the World Cup will undoubtedly command their full attention over the coming weeks, with the tournament officially getting under way next Thursday.
A host of Liverpool stars have already departed for their respective nations' preparations, with Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch suffering a shock defeat to Algeria.
Fellow Dutchman and club colleague Jeremie Frimpong has failed to earn a place in Ronald Koeman's squad, while Hugo Ekitike and Curtis Jones are among other Liverpool stars to miss out on the World Cup.
After challenging debut campaigns, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak both got on the scoresheet for Germany and Sweden respectively in recent days.
Meanwhile, Andy Robertson is set to captain Scotland, while Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah, who are also set to leave Liverpool this summer, are also expected to be in North America for the tournament.