‘There’s no point’ – Van Dijk’s response after brutal VAR decision

Some moments converse louder in silence, and Virgil van Dijk’s response after Liverpool’s 3-0 loss to Manchester Metropolis mentioned every thing about the place we’re proper now.

Talking by way of The Unbiased after the match, our captain selected restraint over rage as he addressed the newest refereeing controversy to go in opposition to us.

“In soccer the officers are deciding the important thing choices and we have now to cope with it on the pitch,” he mentioned.

“There isn’t a level discussing this from my perspective. The truth is that we misplaced 3-0 and that could be a large blow.”

He continued: “It doesn’t matter what I say [about the goal] as a result of something I say shall be within the media and the entire worldwide break shall be about my touch upon the choice.

“I simply deal with the very fact we misplaced. You guys can debate if it ought to have stood.”

Van Dijk reveals restraint as frustration grows

Van Dijk’s phrases got here after Arne Slot known as out the “clear” flawed determination that was made in opposition to us, referenced Chris Kavanagh’s earlier choices and the clear double requirements that proceed to harm us.

That exact flashpoint got here when the Dutch defender thought he’d levelled the sport at 1-1, just for the flag to go up as a result of Andy Robertson was deemed to be obstructing Gianluigi Donnarumma – regardless of clear proof on the contrary.

Liverpool’s endurance working skinny

Whereas Van Dijk’s calm response confirmed management, it additionally hinted at rising fatigue inside the squad with regards to officiating debates.

We’ve now seen a number of high-impact calls go in opposition to us this season, and his refusal to “make it in regards to the referee” feels just like the stance of a captain attempting to defend his aspect from additional distraction.

For all of the noise across the disallowed aim, the larger concern stays that Liverpool have been second-best on the Etihad and each Van Dijk and Slot know that has to vary quick.

You possibly can view Slot’s post-Man Metropolis press convention by way of Empire of the Kop on YouTube:

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