Van Dijk slams “disrespectful” Xabi Alonso query directed at Liverpool boss Arne Slot

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has lashed out at a journalist’s attempt to link Xabi Alonso with the Anfield hotseat, branding a question regarding the recently dismissed Real Madrid manager as “very disrespectful.”

Following Liverpool’s 3-0 Champions League triumph over Marseille, Van Dijk stood firmly behind head coach Arne Slot, who had previously laughed off the query about whether Alonso had contacted him to discuss a potential takeover.

While the Reds are currently on a 13-match unbeaten run, the skipper acknowledged the pressure of the “results business” but insisted the squad is fully committed to Slot’s vision, stating, “I think criticism is part of the game, we all know that, but I think it is also a reason why he [the journalist] is not here [at the game].”

Despite a lack of the same consistency seen last term, Van Dijk remains “very hopeful” about the club’s progress under Slot as they prepare for a crucial Premier League trip to Bournemouth and a decisive European clash with Qarabag.