Virgil van Dijk slams 'disrespectful' Arne Slot question and explains Liverpool squad stance

Van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk has hit out at a "disrespectful" question for Arne Slot that saw the Liverpool boss asked if Xabi Alonso had contacted him over taking his job at Anfield.

the Reds captain insists the entire squad remain behind their head coach after a 3-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League left them well placed to secure qualification to the knockout stages.

Slot, whose side are now unbeaten in 13 games dating back to the end of November, was asked in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday in France if Alonso, who was relieved of his duties at Real Madrid earlier this month, had spoken to him about succeeding him in the Anfield hotseat.

The Reds boss laughed it off, insisting it was "one of the weirdest" he had ever fielded in his career and while Liverpool later chose not to place an official ban on the specific reporter,

it is understood there were plans not to answer any further lines of questioning from that particular journalist had they been asked in the post-match press conference.

Van Dijk said, after the win.

“I think that was very disrespectful,"

"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].

"I think criticism is part and parcel for us, that's what we live with and it's absolutely justified if you look at what we are doing in the season unfortunately for us, especially based on last season.

"I think we always work hard on things we can improve but we also don't forget that with all the changes in the summer, with different faces and style of players, different combinations you have to find training helps with that, matches even more.

"So it's been a very difficult part of the season for us players and the manager as well but in my opinion he handled it very well.

“At the end of the day we are in a results business and we all get judged – players, the manager and everyone involved with the results – and that is what we are working on to improve on a consistent basis.

“We were all disappointed in the fact we dropped points [against Burnley] but also then we have to discuss why we dropped points as we had so many chances and then they had maybe one or two and scored and the reality is you drop points and that's frustrating.

“It's how you react four days later and we had a good performance offensively and defensively and now it is important how we react to this because Bournemouth will make it very difficult for us, especially at their place.

“It is definitely difficult but also because of the fact we don't have that consistency that we had last year – yet. Hopefully we will find it ASAP.

"That is something we work on but you also need no injuries and that unfortunately we have.

“It's a combination of everything but the only thing we can do – and will do – is try to find that consistency and there's a good chance every three to four days.

"Now it is down to us, not only the starting XI but everyone as a whole, to go to Bournemouth and be ready for a big fight as well and show the best Liverpool we can be because we can be very good."

Liverpool will qualify for the knockout stages of the European Cup with a positive result against Azerbaijan side Qarabag next week and Van Dijk added: “If you're not hopeful as a Liverpool player or fan and don't have a little bit of something to look forward to then obviously that's an issue.

"Personally, I'm very hopeful. I enjoy being part of the club and difficult days will always be there, it's how you deal with it and I think we will get there. I'm not worried about that.

“I see the progress we are making but that has also been in many other games we have played this season.

“Consistency is the thing which probably gives you at the end of the season silverware or success and that's something we still have to look for.

"Today was a good day for us, I'm pleased for the fans that travelled all the way here who were outstanding, but three points – nothing more – and we move on; home tomorrow,

“We fly to Bournemouth on Friday, then we play Bournemouth and then we train Sunday. Monday, Tuesday and then Champions Leagueagain.

"It's like every three or four days you have to be there and not get carried away. Today was a good day but that's

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