Van Dijk backs Slot amid Alonso rumours after Marseille win

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has strongly criticised a journalist for what he described as a “disrespectful” question aimed at head coach Arne Slot, amid speculation linking Xabi Alonso with the Liverpool job.

The incident occurred ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Marseille, when Slot was asked during his pre-match press conference whether Alonso had contacted him following his recent departure from Real Madrid.

Slot appeared visibly surprised by the line of questioning, later describing it as “one of the weirdest questions” he had faced since arriving at Anfield. The Dutchman initially responded with humour, joking that Alonso had told him he would be “taking over in six months — or maybe earlier”.

Alonso, who played for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009, left Real Madrid earlier this month after less than eight months in charge. Although the Spanish club framed the exit as a mutual decision, reports in Spain suggest the 44-year-old was dismissed despite winning 24 of his 34 matches.

While Slot brushed off the moment publicly, Van Dijk took a firmer stance after Liverpool’s emphatic 3–0 win, making it clear he felt the question crossed a line.

“That question was disrespectful,” Van Dijk said. “Criticism is justified if you look at what we are doing this season, especially compared to last season. It’s been a difficult period for us as players and for the manager as well, but he has handled it well.”

The Dutch defender’s comments underline a growing sense of unity within the squad as external noise around Slot’s future begins to surface.

Any potential distraction failed to show on Wednesday night, as Liverpool delivered a commanding performance at the Stade Vélodrome. Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo, along with an own goal from Marseille goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, sealed a convincing Champions League victory.

The result leaves Liverpool well placed to secure automatic qualification for the last 16, extending their unbeaten run to 13 matches across all competitions.

Slot later praised his side’s preparation and composure, particularly against a Marseille team managed by Roberto De Zerbi, who currently sit 19th in the Champions League standings and face a fight to reach the play-off phase.

Attention now turns back to domestic action, with Liverpool travelling to Bournemouth this weekend before hosting Qarabag in Europe on 28 January. Victory in that fixture would guarantee a top-four finish in the group phase and avoid the knockout play-off round.

One notable positive for Slot was the return of Mohamed Salah to the starting XI after his Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt. The forward completed 90 minutes against Marseille, showing no signs of fatigue.

“It says everything about his professionalism,” Slot said. “Being away for a month in a different team and still being ready to play 90 minutes at this level — that helps us a lot.”

Liverpool host Qarabag next week knowing a win will confirm automatic progression in Europe, while Premier League focus resumes against Bournemouth. With form strong and senior players rallying behind their manager, Slot’s immediate priority remains results rather than speculation.

However, as the season progresses, maintaining that internal unity will be crucial if Liverpool are to convert momentum into silverware.

Should journalists avoid speculative managerial questions during decisive periods of the season?