Viverpool captain Virgil van Dijk insists Monday’s players’ meeting was not for “crisis” talks but he felt he had to deliver a message to the squad.
A run of four defeats prompted the unscheduled get-together and it had the desired effect as Arne Slot‘s side avoided equalling a 72-year record for losses with a comprehensive and confident 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.
In truth Liverpool face much tougher opposition week in, week out in the Premier League – Saturday’s trip to Brentford a prime example – but returning to winning ways at least helps ease the scrutiny.
“On Monday everyone was sad because we lost to Man United at home,” said Van Dijk.
“It was tough under the circumstances so on Monday we came together but it wasn’t a crisis meeting.
“Nobody wants to lose four games in a row but it was the situation we faced.
“Obviously we also had a proper debrief with the manager but we also had a separate one as players.
“I wanted to say some things. It’s not something I do after every game.
“After my meeting everyone was happy!”
Four successive defeats had brought understandable scrutiny, covering everything from Liverpool’s defensive frailty to under-performance at set-pieces, with individual players like Mohamed Salah – a substitute in Germany whose mood was reflected with his march straight down the tunnel at the final whistle – and £100 million summer signing Florian Wirtz in the spotlight.
Wirtz at least responded positively with two assists for the fourth and fifth goals.
But there were also good displays from Hugo Ekitike, scoring on his return to his former club, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai, their most consistent performer this season.
“We had to stay calm and block out all the noise from the outside because that’s something you can’t control,” added Van Dijk.
“The only way to get out of a situation like that is to stay together, keep your mind on the task ahead, try to improve, keep the confidence, embrace the moment.
“They are all things that are easier to say than actually do but if you want to get out of it, you have to do it.
“We live in a world now where there is always noise – always something to be said, always someone who knows better.
“We have to stay focused on ourselves. We all know how things can change. We’re only in October.”
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