WAYNE ROONEY has raised concerns about Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk’s post-match comments after a humbling 3-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool are in crisis after a sixth league defeat in 12 games, plummeting to 11th, and their captain’s words will not do manager Arne Slot any favours.
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Rooney expressed concern at the Liverpool captain’s wordsCredit: AP
Speaking to Premier League Productions after the humiliating loss at Anfield, Van Dijk said: “We concede too many easy goals. They scored obviously from a set piece again.
“We were not good in terms of battles, challenges, the fight, too rushed. It’s a very difficult situation at the moment.
“There was nervousness after we conceded, but not before. We tried to rush things and that’s human when you’re in a difficult moment.
“We don’t get out of it by just speaking about it. It will take a lot of hard work.”
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Rooney has been in a war of words with the Dutch defender about his performances this season.
And on Saturday he seemed worried about the state of the whole Liverpool team.
On BBC‘s Match of the Day, the Manchester United legend said: “I think that’s a concern when your captain is speaking like that about the players lacking fight and not winning second balls.
“I’ve said this throughout the season, the leaders in the dressing room have to pick the players up because if not, they can slip down the table.
“It’s a clear message to his team-mates.”
After romping to their 20th English top-flight trophy last season, the Merseyside club have mounted a feeble title defence despite splashing £450million on summer signings.
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Their new recruits have failed to impress, as neither Alexander Isak nor Florian Wirtz, both signed for more than £100m each, have registered a single league goal or assist.
Liverpool’s woes go beyond individual performances and Slot has assumed responsibility while trying to rediscover a winning formula.
The Dutch manager said: “Keep your head up and work incredibly hard. We are trying every single day.”
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Van Dijk alluded to his team’s ‘nervousness’ after a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at AnfieldCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
