Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk rejects ‘lazy criticism’ from Wayne Rooney

“It doesn’t hurt me. Just going back to this particular player, he’s obviously a legend, a great player in the game who has inspired so many, I can only say positive things but I feel like that comment is just lazy criticism.”

“It’s easy to blame other players but he knows we’re doing it together, trying to help each one of us try to get out of this. Last year when things went well, you didn’t hear it at all. That’s how it is.”

“[Pundits] That should do the job. He has an opinion and we have to deal with it. There are no hard feelings. “I don’t take it personally.”

Liverpool occupies third place in the English Premier League, seven points behind leaders Arsenal, ahead of two decisive matches this week.

Slot’s team hosts Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday before visiting Manchester City in the English Premier League on Sunday.

“I’ve also heard reports about… [Slot] Van Dijk added: “We are under pressure, but I don’t think we play in a club that makes rash decisions.”

“We all felt like we could work our way out of this situation. It’s not a guarantee, but we can do it together. As long as we believe, stay humble and keep working, we can do it, and we all have that feeling.”