Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has revealed his astonishment at the club's decision to dismiss manager Arne Slot, a move he was not privy to.
Van Dijk stated that he only became aware of the sacking through media leaks, emphasizing, "It is not like they ask me how or what." This lack of consultation has clearly taken the defender aback.
The Dutch international acknowledged the team's underperformance throughout the season. Despite a significant investment of £446 million in transfers, Liverpool failed to meet expectations, finishing fifth in the Premier League and exiting the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.
While not involved in the decision-making process regarding Slot's departure, Van Dijk extended his gratitude to the outgoing manager and his staff. He wished them well in their future endeavors.
Currently, Van Dijk's focus has shifted to his international duties with the Netherlands. The team recently suffered a 1-0 friendly defeat to Algeria, a result that visibly frustrated the captain.
With the World Cup on the horizon, Van Dijk stressed the urgent need for the Dutch national team to improve their performance. The upcoming tournament presents a significant challenge, and the captain believes a substantial uplift in their play is required.
The defender's comments highlight a disconnect between the playing squad and the club's hierarchy regarding managerial decisions, while also underscoring the team's collective awareness of their subpar season.
His immediate priorities lie with the national team, aiming to galvanize his teammates for the challenges ahead in the World Cup, following the disappointing friendly result.
