“He’s obviously not ready. He shouldn’t have started such an important game. I don’t blame him — I blame the coach who made that decision, and now we’re all suffering the consequences,” Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said after their 3–2 defeat to Brentford.
“He’s not ready, and it showed!” – Virgil van Dijk lashes out at Arne Slot’s team selection following Liverpool’s 3–2 defeat to Brentford.
Liverpool’s dressing room is in turmoil after their shocking loss to Brentford, and captain Virgil van Dijk hasn’t minced words. The Dutch defender delivered a brutally honest post-match assessment that has left both fans and teammates stunned.
Speaking after the final whistle, Van Dijk voiced his frustration openly:
> “He’s clearly not ready. He shouldn’t have started in a game this important. I don’t blame him — I blame the coach for making that decision, and now we’ve all paid the price.”
A Captain’s Breaking Point
Liverpool came into the match desperate for a response after a string of inconsistent performances. Instead, they fell apart against a determined Brentford side that capitalized on every mistake. Van Dijk’s remarks reflect growing frustration among the senior players, many of whom believe Arne Slot’s tactical decisions are costing the team vital points.
It’s believed the Liverpool captain’s criticism was aimed at a young or recently signed player who struggled throughout the game — committing key errors that allowed Brentford to take control. Van Dijk’s comments made it clear he felt the player had been thrust into a situation he wasn’t prepared for.
Slot’s Gamble Backfires
Before kickoff, fans were already questioning Slot’s lineup choices — benching experienced players in favor of younger options. That gamble proved costly. Brentford struck early through Dango Ouattara, with Kevin Schade doubling their lead soon after.
Although goals from Milos Kerkez and Mohamed Salah gave Liverpool hope, defensive lapses continued to haunt them. Van Dijk’s frustration was visible throughout, as the Reds failed to regain control.
Sources suggest that after the match, Van Dijk confronted members of the coaching staff, questioning the repeated “avoidable mistakes” and tactical confusion in key games.
**Pressure Mounting on Arne Slot
The pressure is intensifying on Slot, whose start at Anfield is quickly unraveling. His rotation policies and defensive experiments are drawing sharp criticism from both fans and pundits.
Van Dijk’s outburst may be the first public sign of deeper issues within the squad. It’s rare for Liverpool’s captain to challenge his manager openly, but his words suggest long-simmering tension.
Fan Reactions: “He Said What We’re All Thinking”l
Social media erupted following Van Dijk’s comments. Many fans supported his stance, blaming Slot’s constant tinkering for the team’s downfall, while others warned that such open criticism could deepen dressing-room divides.
Comments included:
* “Van Dijk’s right — you can’t throw in unready players in high-pressure games.”
* “Enough with the experiments. Slot needs to stick with what works.”
* “At least someone finally spoke the truth. This chaos can’t continue.”
As the pressure mounts, all eyes are on Anfield — and whether Slot can regain the trust of his captain and players before the situation spirals further out of control.
