Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have launched a scathing attack on Virgil van Dijk, labeling the Liverpool captain’s post-match admission as “horrendous” following the Reds’ 4-0 collapse at Manchester City.
Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk admitted his side ‘gave up’ following their defeat to Manchester City. Former Manchester United players Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt label his comments ‘horrendous’
The fallout from Saturday’s FA Cup exit has taken a toxic turn after Van Dijk candidly confessed that his side effectively “gave up” during the second-half drubbing at the Etihad.
While the Dutchman may have intended to be honest about the squad’s psychological slump, the “Class of ’92” icons were left staggered by a Liverpool captain publicly admitting to a lack of fight.
On The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Butt said, “I think that from your captain is horrendous”.
He added.
“If you are a Liverpool fan, you’re thinking ‘what do you mean you’ve given up?’ What the f***s that about, giving up?”
Arne Slot’s side were outrun and outfought throughout the game against Pep Guardiola’s side, but there seemed to be a significant switch once they went 1-0 behind to an Erling Haaland penalty.
United legends slam Van Dijk comments
Van Dijk has previously spoken to the media following defeats, apologising to the fans for their performance, which is costing the club valuable points.
This was the first instance of the Dutch defender admitting they had given up during the game, as the Cityzens cruised to a 4-0 victory, and it never looked like the Anfield outfit could mount any response.
While the manager has had plenty of criticism levelled at him this season, Scholes believes the comments confirm they aren’t working for him.
“They’re letting the manager down, really, either way, when you say stuff like that. Imagine if we said that in front of Sir Alex. Oh my god.”
The Anfield faithful demand hard work when representing the club. The comments from the 34-year-old have highlighted a serious disconnect between the players, the management and the fanbase, which has created a toxic environment on Merseyside.
Butt believes players in the Liverpool squad should be called out by Van Dijk in front of the squad for not pulling their weight.
“I’d tell you what would happen, they’d be in this morning, and the manager would be saying, ‘Right, you said that, you’re the captain. You point out who is giving up.”
Complicated issue at Liverpool
It seemed like Slot’s position in the dugout would be secure until the summer at the minimum, and he could possibly be given a second chance next season to prove the doubters wrong.
However, the narrative from the fanbase and the media has taken a dramatic turn within the last week.
Reports earlier this week believe that the Champions League is the only thing that can salvage the 47-year-old’s position on Merseyside, but with Van Dijk’s comments, perhaps even that won’t offer Slot protection.
The fanbase has been divided for months over his future at the club, but in recent games, there has been more agreement that we should be watching his final few matches as the manager, but the pressure from the players is even more harmful.
If the centre back’s words ring true, and players are giving up, then it looks to be a difficult way back for Slot.
However, the idea of throwing in the towel is something that no supporter can truly accept, and if that continues with or without the Dutch boss, the backlash will be impossible to ignore.
With the Champions League quarter-final against PSG looming, these comments have ignited a debate over whether Liverpool’s leadership has the mental fortitude to salvage their season.
