Liverpool held meeting after Man Utd loss – Van Dijk
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says he called a players’ meeting following their 2-1 defeat by Manchester United on Sunday, but insisted it was not a “crisis” summit.
Sunday’s loss at Anfield marked Liverpool’s fourth consecutive defeat, leaving the Reds joint third in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Arsenal.
Van Dijk acknowledged the mood at the club’s Kirkby training ground on Monday was low, but said the meeting was an opportunity for the squad to speak openly about their recent form.
“On Monday, everyone was sad because we lost to United at home. We haven’t lost many games at home during my time at Liverpool.
“It was tough under the circumstances, so on Monday we came together, but it wasn’t a crisis meeting. We all know how things can change. We’re only in October.
“Obviously, we also had a proper debrief with the manager, but we had a separate one as players. I wanted to say some things. It’s not something I do after every game. Let’s keep it that way,” Van Dijk told reporters.
Liverpool ended their losing run on Wednesday with an emphatic 5-1 win over German side Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.
Mohamed Salah was dropped from Arne Slot’s starting line-up, while Hugo Ekitike, Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Cody Gakpo scored in Liverpool’s first victory in a month.
“The only way to get out of a situation like that is to stay together, keep your mind on the task ahead, try to improve, keep the confidence, and embrace the moment. They are all easier said than done. But if you want to get out of it, you have to do it.
“We live in a world where there is always noise, always something to be said, always someone who knows better. We have to stay focused on ourselves. Before my meeting, yes, the mood was low, but after my meeting, everyone was happy!,” Van Dijk added after the win.
Liverpool’s victory was marred by injuries to defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak. Netherlands international Frimpong was substituted in the first half with a hamstring problem, while Isak was removed at half-time with a groin strain.
The Reds’ next Premier League game is at Brentford on Saturday.
