Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has spoken out about reports that emerged ahead of Arne Slott’s official departure from the club over the weekend.
Virgil van Dijk reacts to Arne Slott’s departure (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk has criticized the “leaks” surrounding Arne Slott’s recent departure, with the Liverpool captain revealing that was when he first found out the news.
The Reds decided to part ways with Slott after a disappointing season in which they finished fifth in the Premier League, good enough to qualify for the Champions League.
Van Dijk is the first Liverpool player to publicly react to Slott’s departure, with several others including Hugo Ekitike, Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister also offering their congratulations.
“We arrived in Amsterdam on Saturday afternoon and it had already been leaked,” Van Dijk told NOS after the Netherlands’ defeat to Algeria on Wednesday. “Then we had a discussion, of course. But the decision had already been made before. It’s not like they’re asking me how or what to do.
“I spoke with Arne and also with Schipke (Hulshoff, assistant coach). That is the most important thing for me. I am very grateful to them for everything they mean not only to me but also to the club. I wish them nothing but success.”
He added: “We now live in a world where everyone (all journalists) wants to be the first to break the news. They are the ones who benefit from that. Yes, this is the reality.”
In Liverpool’s official statement confirming his immediate departure, it was revealed that the search for a replacement had already begun, with it quickly becoming clear that the club had their sights set on Andoni Iraola.
Negotiations between the two sides are progressing rapidly, with the former Bournemouth boss expected to be announced as Liverpool’s new head coach within the next few days.
The 43-year-old is expected to sign a two-year deal at Anfield, with the likes of Pablo de la Torre, Tommy Elphick, Sean Cooper and Tom Webber hoping to follow him as part of the backroom team.
Andoni Iraola is tipped to become Liverpool’s next manager (Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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He will also be reunited with former Bournemouth duo Milos Kerkes and sporting director Richard Hughes, with transfer business set to be firmly on the latter’s agenda.
But for the majority of players, all attention will undoubtedly be on the World Cup over the next few weeks, with the tournament officially opening next Thursday.
Many of Liverpool’s stars have already departed to prepare for their respective countries, with Van Dijk, Codi Gakpo and Ryan Gravenbirch all suffering a shock defeat to Algeria.
Fellow Dutchman and club colleague Jeremy Frimpong has failed to earn a place in Ronald Koeman’s side, while Hugo Ekitike and Curtis Jones are also among Liverpool’s stars to miss out on the World Cup.
After a challenging debut, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have recently been on the scoresheet for Germany and Sweden respectively.
Meanwhile, Andy Robertson is set to captain Scotland, while Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah, who are also due to leave Liverpool this summer, are also expected to stay in North America for the tournament.
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