Captain says his teammates need to remain focused despite the fallout
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said the squad must block out all the noise that followed Mohamed Salah’s incendiary comments against manager Arne Slot and the club, while also respecting the legacy of their teammate and his standing within the team.
“The reality also is that Mo is going to Africa at the weekend,” Van Dijk said. “I’ve known Mo for a long time. We’re good friends, we’ve been through highs and lows. He’s been a big part of the success I’ve had at the club and I’ve been a big part of his success, as we all have.
“We speak and those types of things will stay indoors as they should, but we as a team and group of players have to brace ourselves and be against the outside noise. It’s a collective difficult situation.”
Liverpool’s captain accepted that the incident was causing disruptions but said he wants his teammates to remain focused while things are handled by the club. Salah missed Liverpool’s Champions League tie against Inter Milan on Tuesday, which they won 1-0.
“Between Mo and the club, things are going on and obviously the consequences are that he’s not here today trying to help us get the three points,” Van Dijk said.
“That’s the reality, but I don’t think anything changes in terms of our focus or our determination.”
