Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney did not spare the hints as he tore into Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk after Liverpool’s derby defeat to Everton.
Everton, who are struggling to stay afloat in the English topflight, dealt the Merseyside rivals a big blow, scurrying to a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park.
The Toffees struck in both halves as a haphazard Liverpool went profligate in front of goals to settle for a shock defeat.
More worrying for the Reds was the timing of the loss. With four matches left to wrap up the season, the Reds’ Premier League title hopes could literally be over as Arsenal and Manchester City show no sign of slowing down.
Virgil van Dijk echoed his frustration after the game. Addressing the press after the match, the Dutch blamed his teammates for not doing enough to win the game. According to him, the players slept on the game, allowing the Toffees to run out with an unlikely victory.
“Listen, very disappointed in so many ways and I think everyone has to look in the mirror and look at their own performances and if they really gave everything and do they really want to win the league,’ Van Dijk told Sky Sports.
“We are fighting and still have games after tonight, but if we play like we did overall in the game like today, not winning challenges and giving the ref an opportunity to give free-kicks like he did many times, then we have no chance to win the title.
“Now, we have to face 12:00pm kickoff again on Saturday,” he added.
Wayne Rooney was critical of Van Dijk’s post-match comment, especially when he appeared to blame the loss on the tight schedule of games for the Reds.
Speaking on punditry role after the game, Rooney took a swipe at Virgil Van Dijk’s comment, insisting the team must ‘get on with it’ as it is part of their jobs. “Again we are hearing about 12:30 kick-offs. ”Those Liverpool players should be wanting to go tomorrow because when you lose a derby game you want the games to come quick. “Get on with it, it’s part of your job,” he said.
Liverpool will take on West Ham United in their next Premier League fixture on Saturday, April 25, and will hope to relaunch themselves into the title race by winning at London Stadium.
