Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has hit back at mounting criticism regarding the team’s training intensity following a dismal 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.
The loss, Liverpool’s 18th in all competitions this term, has effectively ended their trophy hopes and left them fighting to secure a top-four finish.
Social media scrutiny intensified after players were pictured on foreign trips during the lead-up to the Old Trafford clash, with critics labeling the breaks as “holidays” amidst a crisis.
Van Dijk dismissed these claims as “city trips,” arguing that adult players should be trusted to manage their rare days off with their families.
He pointed to Pep Guardiola’s frequent use of multi-day breaks at Manchester City as evidence that finding the right balance is key to performance.
Under manager Arne Slot, the Reds have struggled for consistency despite a £446 million squad overhaul, exiting both the FA Cup and Champions League in disappointing fashion.
Slot’s side currently sits fourth in the Premier League, needing four points from their final three fixtures to guarantee a return to Europe’s elite competition.
“I want this to be solved,” Van Dijk stated, branding the current campaign “unacceptable” and insisting that such a repeat cannot occur next season.
