Arne Slot reveals the truth behind Virgil van Dijk’s ’emergency’ Liverpool meeting | OneFootball

Liverpool Manager Arne Slot Praises Virgil van Dijk’s Leadership After Team Meeting

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has spoken openly about captain Virgil van Dijk’s decision to call an unscheduled team meeting following the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United. Slot described the move as a natural response from a leader determined to maintain high standards within a squad that has already shown resilience under pressure.

Slot Supports Van Dijk’s Initiative

Liverpool’s midweek 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League eased tension after three consecutive Premier League losses left them trailing Arsenal by four points. Yet, it was the aftermath of the Manchester United defeat that revealed the true character within the dressing room.

Van Dijk, who will captain Liverpool for the 150th time against Brentford, gathered his teammates the following day to address what went wrong. Slot fully supported his captain’s approach.

“What Virgil did and what I did is what you need to do, what all the players did,” said Slot. “None of them should accept a loss against United, especially after already losing three games. That was something I was not happy about.

“It would not be good if the voice they were hearing was always me. That is why they hear my assistants too.”

Photo: IMAGO

Slot made it clear that Van Dijk’s meeting was not about tactics but about leadership and accountability. “I don’t think it was like Virgil brought them over and said: ‘From now on we must play like this’. We have five players who are captains of their national team. Virgil was not the only one who said something. You need that with experience, all of them can have a proper conversation.”

Building a Culture of Responsibility

Since taking charge in 2024, Slot has built a Liverpool side that thrives on shared responsibility. He encourages open dialogue within the squad, whether during training, recovery sessions or even casual moments at the AXA Training Centre.

“I encourage them to take responsibility and talk to each other, whether they are in the sauna or swimming pool, or when they are standing around with five or six of them,” he explained. “But if we have a leader like Virgil with so much respect in the group, then it is a good thing.”

Slot added with a smile: “If they are sitting upstairs at the coffee bar now, do you think they talk? I think they do. They constantly talk, sometimes that is done with everybody and sometimes just the leadership group. They talk and they should do. They feel what happens on the pitch. But when it comes to tactics, that is my territory.”

Henderson’s Legacy and Van Dijk’s Continuation

As Liverpool prepare to face Brentford, they will be up against former captain Jordan Henderson for the first time since his departure in 2023. Henderson’s influence remains visible at the training ground, with one of his motivational quotes still displayed prominently.

Van Dijk succeeded Henderson two years ago and has already added the League Cup and Premier League titles to his record as captain. Slot was clear in his admiration.

“For me he has been the most influential captain I have had since I became a manager,” he said. “Virgil has done what I expected of him with his own performances. He has been a leader throughout my period here. Every single day, I can see he is the leader. If we start a session I can always hear him. I could not have asked more from him in that role. He has been a very good successor.”

Liverpool’s response to adversity underlines the bond between Slot and Van Dijk, a partnership built on mutual trust and shared ambition. As they look to reignite their title defence, that unity could prove decisive once again.