Rooney had publicly criticized inappropriate body language from the Dutchman and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, a statement Van Dijk disputed. The pair then came face to face after the match at Anfield on Tuesday evening and exchanged tense words.
Rooney harshly criticizes Liverpool leaders.
Arne Slot’s side have already endured a run of four games without a win in the Premier League this season, leaving them seven points behind clear leaders Arsenal. Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United and Brentford all managed to defeat the reigning champions. After the defeat at the Bees, Rooney claimed that neither Van Dijk nor Salah took responsibility for turning the club’s fortunes around.
On his podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show, he said: “No one saw it coming, it hit them hard and I think they are struggling to find a solution. This is the time for the coach and team leaders to react very quickly. Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have signed new contracts, but I don’t think they have really led the team this season.
“I think body language says a lot, and I think you see differences in their body language. They are the two best players on the team and if their body language is not right, it affects everyone. “I might be wrong, but if I were a Liverpool fan or manager it would be very worrying.
Van Dijk responds to criticism
Since the defeat against Brentford, Liverpool have had a string of victories, first against Aston Villa in the Premier League, then against Real Madrid in the Champions League. The Reds largely dominated Anfield on Tuesday evening, outclassing the Whites for most of the match. Amazon Prime consultant Rooney spoke to the Liverpool captain after the match.
Speaking alongside the former Red Devils striker, Van Dijk said: “ It’s easy to say now, because our two consecutive victories have helped us a lot, but in such a chaotic world, you have to try to keep calm and put things into perspective. During this meeting, it was in October, there were still many matches to play, so many possible twists and turns, and I think that at times the ambient noise was excessive (he said with a little smile). » I think it is very important to put things into perspective, to stay focused and to work to get out of this situation, because the quality of our squad is not in question. We must continue to work and move forward.
“If a Liverpool player loses four or five games in a row, the criticism is justified, it’s completely normal in this case. But I think it’s sometimes excessive, because we live in a world where there are many platforms and where everyone can express themselves freely. Everything is taken up and amplified. I find it positive that former players who have played at the highest level and who have also experienced difficult times can put things into perspective.
“If you watched the matches, you would understand that I would fully assume my share of responsibility. As for the idea that I signed my new contract and then let it go, I think that was a bit… but that’s just my personal opinion, let’s move on. »
