Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has openly criticized a journalist’s question directed at manager Arne Slot regarding rumors linking Xabi Alonso to the Reds’ managerial position.
The Dutch defender described the question as disrespectful to his manager and emphasized that such speculation has no place in a professional setting.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, local time, when a reporter asked Slot whether Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder who recently parted ways with Real Madrid by mutual consent, had reached out to him. Slot reacted with laughter, calling it one of the strangest questions he had ever received. He even joked that Alonso supposedly called to say he would “take over in six months or maybe sooner.”
This unusual exchange came just a day before Liverpool secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Marseille in the UEFA Champions League.
Van Dijk Defends Slot, Criticizes Media Approach
While the club did not request that the journalist be banned from covering the team, van Dijk felt compelled to voice his opinion publicly following Liverpool’s win against Marseille in the early hours of Thursday, 22 January 2026.
“That question was completely disrespectful,” van Dijk said.
“Of course, criticism is fair when it comes to what we’ve done this season, especially if you compare it to last season,” he added, acknowledging that performance scrutiny is part of football.
Van Dijk also highlighted the challenging period the team has endured recently, both for players and for the manager, while praising Slot for how he handled the situation.
“This has been a difficult phase of the season for us as players, and also for our manager. But he’s handled it extremely well,” he explained.
A Complete Performance Against Marseille
The 3-0 win over Marseille marked one of Liverpool’s most complete performances of the season, according to van Dijk. It was also a personal milestone, as the captain reached his 350th appearance for the club, becoming the 50th Liverpool player in history to hit that mark.
“Playing my 350th game, winning 3-0, and keeping a clean sheet—these are moments I’m incredibly proud of,” said van Dijk, now 34 years old.
The result strengthens Liverpool’s position in the Champions League, ensuring qualification to the Round of 16 in March without needing to navigate the February play-off round.
Focus Shifts to Premier League Battle
Looking ahead, Liverpool are set to host Qarabag on Thursday, 29 January 2026, with a win expected to solidify a top-four finish. A strong result would also guarantee a home advantage in the second leg of the Round of 16, and potentially in the quarterfinals if they progress further.
However, van Dijk’s immediate focus has shifted to this weekend’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth.
Liverpool are enjoying an unbeaten streak of 13 games since their 1-4 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on 26 November. Despite this, consistency in the Premier League remains a concern.
In their last 10 league matches, Liverpool have recorded just four wins alongside four consecutive draws. Currently, they sit fourth in the table, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal.
The Reds are also seven points behind Aston Villa in third place, while five teams below them are separated by just three points, highlighting the fierce competition for Champions League spots.
Van Dijk’s Leadership Key in Crucial Run
Throughout this challenging stretch, van Dijk has emerged as a key figure in Liverpool’s squad, both on and off the pitch. His leadership has been essential in maintaining team morale amid intense scrutiny and the pressure of balancing domestic and European competitions.
“The team has shown great resilience. Every match, every point counts now,” van Dijk said.
The captain’s focus is clear: maintain discipline, support the manager, and guide Liverpool through a critical phase of the season, while keeping the club competitive on multiple fronts.
Conclusion
Van Dijk’s remarks underline the importance of respecting the manager and staying focused on performance rather than speculation. With a congested fixture list ahead including Premier League and Champions League clashes, Liverpool will rely heavily on both his leadership and the manager’s tactical acumen.
As the Reds fight to secure a top-four finish and continue their European campaign, van Dijk’s experience and determination remain central to Liverpool’s ambitions.
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