Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has revealed he called a players’ meeting in the aftermath of their bitter 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, but insists the Reds are far from meltdown.
Sunday’s loss at Anfield marked Liverpool’s fourth defeat in a row, a rare sight for a side that has prided itself on fortress form under Arne Slot. The result left the Merseysiders clinging to joint third in the Premier League table, four points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
Speaking to reporters, Van Dijk admitted the mood was grim at the Kirkby training complex on Monday, but said it was the right time for straight talk among the squad.
“Everyone was down after losing to United at home. We do not lose many at Anfield so it hurt,” the Dutchman said. “We came together the next day but it was not a crisis meeting. We know how quickly things can turn around. It is only October after all.”
The centre-back explained that while Slot led a full team debrief, he also wanted the players to have their own conversation. “I wanted to speak up. It is not something I do after every match. Let’s keep it that way,” he added with a grin.
Whatever was said behind closed doors appeared to hit the mark. Liverpool bounced back in style on Wednesday night with a thumping 5-1 victory away to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, their first win in a month.
With Mohamed Salah surprisingly left on the bench, goals from Hugo Ekitike, Van Dijk himself, Ibrahima Konate, Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo tore through the German hosts. The Reds looked reborn, brimming with urgency and unity.
Van Dijk credited togetherness for the turnaround. “The only way out of a run like that is to stick together, stay focused and work harder. Everyone says it but doing it is the real challenge,” he said. “We live in a world full of noise and opinions. We just need to focus on ourselves. Before the meeting the mood was low but afterwards everyone was smiling again.”
Still, the win did not come without setbacks. Jeremie Frimpong limped off early with a hamstring issue and Alexander Isak was withdrawn at half-time after feeling his groin. Both are now doubts for the weekend clash.
For now though, Van Dijk’s rallying cry appears to have steadied the Liverpool ship. The captain’s words have sparked belief once more that the Reds can climb back into the title race.
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