Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk branded a journalist's question about Xabi Alonso potentially taking over from Arne Slot as "disrespectful" following the Reds' commanding 3-0 Champions League triumph over Marseille.
The Dutch defender spoke out after a reporter had asked Slot on Tuesday whether the former Liverpool midfielder had made contact regarding the manager's position.
"That (question) was disrespectful," said Van Dijk.
While acknowledging that scrutiny of the team's performances this campaign was fair, the 34-year-old defended his manager's handling of a challenging period.
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"Criticism is justified if you look at what we are doing in the season, especially based on last season," he added.
"It's been a difficult part of the season for us players and the manager as well but he has handled it well."
Slot himself had responded to the query with humour, dismissing it as "one of the weirdest questions" he had received.
Xabi Alonso has been linked with a sensational return to Liverpool in the short time since his departure from Real Madrid
|REUTERS
The Dutchman joked that Alonso had indeed been in touch to inform him he was "going to take over in six months, or maybe earlier".
Alonso, who enjoyed a successful playing career at Anfield, departed Real Madrid earlier this month after the club announced his exit by "mutual consent".
Despite the unusual nature of the press conference exchange, Liverpool opted not to request that the journalist responsible be excluded from future media events.
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Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWSThe victory at Marseille marked a significant personal milestone for Van Dijk, who became the 50th player in Liverpool's history to make 350 appearances for the club.
"To play my 350th game, win 3-0 and keep a clean sheet, that's something I'm proud of," said the centre-back.
Van Dijk described the performance in France as among the most "complete" displays Liverpool have produced this season.
The result leaves the Reds well positioned to secure a top-eight finish in the Champions League league phase, which would see them progress directly to the last-16 in March without needing to contest the knockout play-off round.
Liverpool's domestic form presents a stark contrast to their European progress.
Arne Slot has come under pressure this season amid Liverpool's inconsistent form | REUTERSThe club sit fourth in the Premier League table, trailing leaders Arsenal by 14 points and sitting seven points adrift of Aston Villa in third.
The Reds have managed just four victories from their last 10 league matches, with their most recent four fixtures all ending in draws.
However, Liverpool remain unbeaten across all competitions in 13 matches since their 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in late November.
Van Dijk's focus has now shifted to Saturday's trip to Bournemouth, while a home fixture against Qarabag next Wednesday could secure a top-four Champions League finish.