Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Wayne Rooney found themselves sharing the same pitch again on Tuesday night in an awkward interview.
Days after a public exchange sparked by Rooney’s criticism of Liverpool’s senior figures, the two came face-to-face in a live Amazon Prime broadcast following Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid at Anfield.
Rooney had questioned the posture and leadership of Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah during Liverpool’s difficult run of six defeats in seven matches, describing their body language as a “big concern”.
Van Dijk responded after Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa last weekend by calling the remarks “lazy”.
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The tension lingered heading into Tuesday night when Van Dijk stepped into the post match interview area, with Rooney positioned a few feet away as part of the analysis team.
With Liverpool having produced one of their most composed performances of the season, Van Dijk spoke pointedly about the pressure surrounding the squad in recent weeks.
“In a world of chaos you have to try to stay calm and take the perspective of things. There’s so much football to be played, so many twists and turns can happen. At the time the noise was a lot,” he said.
Presenter Gabby Logan could not resist pressing the moment.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Wayne Rooney found themselves sharing the same pitch again on Tuesday night in an awkward interview
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Liverpool have boosted their chances of Champions League glory with a win over Real Madrid
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“Are you looking at anyone?” she asked. Rooney smiled.
Van Dijk replied: “No I am not. I think it is very important to put things in perspective, keep your head down to work and get out of the situation, because we have quality that is not the issue.”
Robbie Fowler, also in the studio, asked whether outside criticism affects the dressing room.
Van Dijk offered an honest assessment: “I think all of you know you are dealing with a squad of 25 players, a lot of young players and a couple of older players like myself.
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Wayne Rooney laughed off the awkward atmosphere amid his interview with Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk
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Virgil van Dijk was a rock at the back as Liverpool kept Real Madrid at bay
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“Everyone lives a different life. Me personally it does not affect me but I am dealing with some players who might be.”
He continued: “If you lose games as a Liverpool player, four or five in a row, it is fair criticism.
“But I think it is over the top at times. That is because we live in a world where there are so many platforms. So many people can say stuff and it will be picked up and made bigger.”
Rooney acknowledged the atmosphere and handled the exchange with humour.
“I am not saying anything any more. I think I have spurred them on and put them on a winning streak,” he retorted.
Yet he defended the basis of his earlier remarks.
“What I have said was fair. When you win the Premier League and go on a run where you lose games you do not expect, that is your opportunity to lead the players,” he affirmed.
“The response has been great from Virgil and from the team.”
Liverpool beat Real Madrid 1-0 with Alexis Mac Allister scoring the only goal of the game
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Van Dijk countered firmly.
“I think if you watch games, I definitely take responsibility. The comment that I signed the new deal and then that is it, I will let it slide, I think that is a bit… but that is my personal opinion," he said.
Liverpool’s victory, sealed by a first half header from Alexis Mac Allister, had been fully earned.
Real Madrid were kept at bay with little threat, while Thibaut Courtois prevented a heavier scoreline.
When asked if he had spoken to former Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who returned with Madrid, Van Dijk said simply, “No.”
Two wins in four days have steadied Liverpool. A trip to Manchester City now carries the chance to turn a crisis narrative into a resurgence.