Overview
- Rooney has rowed back on saying Van Dijk had 'downed tools' after his new deal but maintains the defender is below his usual level this season.
- He urged Van Dijk to ignore outside noise and concentrate on his own performance and leadership during a new podcast appearance.
- The public back-and-forth followed their on‑pitch exchange after Liverpool’s Champions League win over Real Madrid last week.
- Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City was their fifth loss in six league games, leaving them eighth and eight points behind leaders Arsenal.
- Liverpool great John Barnes rejected claims of a dip from Van Dijk and pointed to Slot’s system changes and a summer rebuild as the main factors.