Rooney: Van Dijk’s Post-Forest Remarks Raise Alarm for Liverpool Squad
Van Dijk Criticises Liverpool After Forest Defeat; Rooney Flags Concern
Virgil van Dijk delivered a harsh critique of Liverpool following their 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, marking the Reds’ sixth loss in their last seven Premier League matches. Wayne Rooney has expressed concern over the captain’s comments.
Liverpool, seeking a rebound after a 3-0 loss to Manchester City before the international break, were exposed once again as the domestic campaign resumed. Goals from Murillo, Nicola Savona, and Morgan Gibbs-White put the match out of reach, leaving the hosts outplayed after falling behind.
This latest setback leaves Liverpool in the league’s lower half with just 18 points, raising doubts over their ability to defend their Premier League title. Pressure continues to build on manager Arne Slot amid a troubling run of results.
Van Dijk Calls Out Teammates
After the match, Van Dijk addressed the media, highlighting the team’s poor overall performance. He told Sky Sports:
“We concede too many simple goals. We created some chances in the first half-hour, but they scored from a set-piece again. Overall, we weren’t strong in challenges, battles, and second balls — too rushed. It’s a very difficult situation right now.”
He added that Liverpool appeared nervous after conceding, and stressed the need for collective effort to fix the team’s issues:
“Everyone in the team must take responsibility. Football is a team game. We have to absorb this, work harder, and keep pushing. Losing at home to Nottingham Forest is, in my view, very poor. The goals we conceded were far too easy, and we all need to reflect on that.”
Van Dijk concluded with a message of resilience: “I’ve been at this club long enough to know we’ll bounce back, but it doesn’t happen overnight. I’m not a quitter, and we will keep going.”
Rooney: Van Dijk’s Remarks a Warning Sign
Rooney sees Van Dijk’s comments as a stark warning for the squad. Speaking on Match of the Day, the former Manchester United star said:
“It’s concerning when your captain says the team lacks fight. It’s a clear message to his teammates.”
While Rooney has previously questioned Van Dijk’s leadership, he reiterated that the club’s leaders must step up during tough periods:
“They’ve struggled throughout the season. Even when winning games, performances have been inconsistent. Leaders in the dressing room must lift the team because, as seen with Manchester United and Tottenham, teams can quickly slip down the table.”