Overview
- The pair appeared together on Amazon Prime's post-match coverage after a 1-0 Champions League victory at Anfield, sharing an awkward but cordial exchange.
- Van Dijk said some of the outside scrutiny had been "over the top," stressed the need for perspective, and noted he manages teammates who may be affected.
- He accepted that criticism is fair when a team loses four or five in a row but rejected suggestions he eased off after signing a new deal and insisted he had taken responsibility.
- Rooney maintained his view that Van Dijk has not been at his best this season, defended offering forthright opinions as a pundit, and praised Liverpool's response.
- Liverpool ended a run of four straight league defeats and six losses in seven with back-to-back clean sheets against Aston Villa and Real Madrid, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring the winner on Tuesday.