“Unacceptable”: Van Dijk slams Liverpool’s dismal season

Virgil van Dijk has branded Liverpool’s season “unacceptable” following their 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, a result that dented their push for Champions League qualification.

The loss to their fierce rivals leaves Liverpool fourth in the Premier League, with Arne Slot’s side still needing four points from their final three matches to secure a top-five finish and a place in Europe’s elite competition.

Just a year after lifting the title, Liverpool’s campaign has unravelled, with Sunday’s defeat marking their 18th loss in all competitions this season. Injuries to key players, including Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, compounded their struggles at Old Trafford.

However, Van Dijk refused to hide behind those setbacks.

“I’m not here to make excuses. It’s been a very disappointing season, an unacceptable season for us, and it’s tough,” he said.

“We shouldn’t feel sorry for ourselves. We have to work, turn this around and make sure next season these things don’t happen.”

The Liverpool captain also addressed criticism over players’ activities off the pitch after some were seen abroad before the United clash.

“I’m not sure it’s a holiday. It’s a city trip,” he said. “If you have one day off, players decide what they want to do with their families. We are not kids.”

Responding to claims the squad may have had too much downtime, Van Dijk pointed to other top sides managing rest periods effectively, citing Pep Guardiola as an example.

“It’s about finding the right balance,” he added.

With Slot under pressure after a season set to end without silverware, Van Dijk emphasised the need for consistency and a strong response next term.

“Consistency is the most difficult thing, but it’s the best way to be successful,” he said.

“We have to realise that next season we can’t repeat this. It’s unacceptable.”