Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has addressed the tense situation between Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot for the first time, admitting it has been a “difficult” few days inside the dressing room.
Salah’s explosive interview after the defeat at Leeds dominated the build-up to the Reds’ trip to Inter Milan.
With the Egyptian left out of the squad, Liverpool delivered a focused performance to secure a crucial 1-0 victory thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s 88th-minute penalty.
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But the post-match questions once again centred on Salah’s future and his fractured relationship with the new manager.
Van Dijk, speaking to Amazon Prime Video, said he intends to speak with Salah once the team return from Italy.
Van Dijk urges unity as Liverpool navigate Salah fallout
The Liverpool skipper admitted the squad are facing a “collective difficult situation”, but insisted the players are ignoring outside noise and staying concentrated on results.
Van Dijk said Salah’s comments were “him airing his feelings”, stressing that any consequences must be handled between the player and the club.
He added that the dressing room remained calm the day after the interview, with the team fully focused on their responsibilities to the club and its supporters.
Van Dijk also revealed he and Salah share a long and respectful friendship, but confirmed that any discussions will remain behind closed doors, reports Express.
The Dutch defender praised his teammates for their resilience in Milan, describing the win as an important step in restoring consistency during a turbulent period.
With Brighton visiting Anfield next, Van Dijk said Liverpool must “stick together” and build on the momentum.
He urged his squad to recover quickly and maintain focus, emphasising that the Reds cannot afford emotional highs or lows as they chase stability in a challenging season.
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