Rooney climbs down on Van Dijk criticism

Virgil van Dijk would anticipate some abuse from Manchester United figures, however Wayne Rooney’s newest admission after their on-air confrontation reveals even previous rivals know when to take a step again.

Rooney admits “possibly I used to be unfair” after Anfield encounter

Talking on The Wayne Rooney Present, the 40-year-old former England striker stated he was “possibly a bit unfair” together with his earlier evaluation that Virgil van Dijk had “downed instruments” after signing a brand new Liverpool contract.

The ex-United man’s preliminary remarks angered supporters and even prompted a pointy response from the Dutch defender, who dismissed the claims as “lazy criticism”.

After Tuesday night time’s 1–0 win over Actual Madrid, the place Van Dijk’s dominance underlined precisely why he stays our chief, the 2 met stay on Amazon Prime’s protection.

“The remark that I signed my new deal after which it was like ‘that’s it’ and I let it slide, I believe that was a bit… however that’s my private opinion and we transfer on,” stated the Liverpool captain.

Rooney appeared extra reflective this time: “Perhaps I used to be a bit unfair as a result of I don’t know him that effectively as an individual.”

Nevertheless, he nonetheless stood by the core of his argument: “From a efficiency viewpoint, I used to be talking about what I felt and what I used to be seeing. Van Dijk will choose himself by these excessive requirements.”

Van Dijk leads Reds response to critics

It’s telling that since Rooney’s preliminary jibe, Liverpool have responded with consecutive wins – first in opposition to Aston Villa, then with an announcement victory over Actual Madrid.

The 34-year-old centre-back not solely saved Kylian Mbappe quiet but in addition led by instance in each packing containers, seeing his header one way or the other clawed away by Thibaut Courtois earlier than Alexis Mac Allister’s decisive purpose.

The Dutchman’s efficiency typified the resilience that’s outlined us underneath Arne Slot, particularly after latest struggles within the league.

With the Reds nonetheless battling close to the highest of the Premier League desk, few might argue that our captain hasn’t answered again in the very best means – on the pitch.

You may watch Slot’s feedback on Szoboszlai by way of Empire of the Kop on YouTube:

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