Liverpool manager Arne Slot has spoken out on Virgil Van Djik’s decision to hold a players only meeting. Manchester United loss triggered impromptu meeting by the club captain.
Liverpool’s loss to United were their fourth in a row across competitions. Since then the Reds stemmed the tide by registering an emphatic win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.
However their streak in the Premier League stands at three in a row and they will face Brentford later this evening.
Arne Slot speaks out on Van Djik meeting
Arne Slot backs Virgil Van Djik’s decision to call a players-only meeting (Credits: Imago Images)
“What Virgil did and what I did is what you need to do, what all the players did,” said the Liverpool manager. “None of them should accept a loss against United, especially after already losing three games. That was something I was not happy about.”
“It would not be good if the voice they were hearing was always me. That is why they hear my assistants too.”, explaining the importance of having different perspectives.
“We have five players who are captains of their national team. Virgil was not the only one who said something. You need that with experience, all of them can have a proper conversation.”, he stated.
Need players to come and take responsibility
Liverpool’s squad has five players who are captains for their national side including Van Djik. He captain was made Anfield captain two years ago. Since then he has lifted a League Cup and a Premier League title.
But there are other players too who have voices in the dressing room. “I encourage them to take responsibility and talk to each other. Whether they are in the sauna or swimming pool, or when they are standing around with five or six of them”, added the manager.
“But if we have a leader like Virgil with so much respect in the group, then it is a good thing.”, once again highlighting the presence the Dutchman commands in the team.
