Wayne Rooney has expressed his disapproval of comments made by Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk during his post-match interview after Liverpool’s 2-0 loss to local rivals Everton.
Liverpool struggled at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, with Everton’s robust style and straightforward approach proving to be a challenge for the Liverpool defense.
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The opening goal by Jarrad Branthwaite for Everton was anticipated, coming in the middle of the first half. Despite Liverpool having and missing several promising opportunities, the match was essentially decided when Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored from a corner just before the 60-minute mark.
This loss puts Liverpool three points behind Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title and only one point ahead of Manchester City, who have two additional matches to play.
Following the match, Van Dijk didn’t mince words about Liverpool’s substandard performance against Everton, admitting they fell short in nearly all aspects.
However, Rooney took issue with what appeared to be a dismissive comment made by Van Dijk at the beginning of his interview.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Van Dijk made reference to the fact Liverpool have a quick turnaround before their next match, Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off against West Ham, saying: ‘Now it’s time to focus on the 12.30pm kick-off again.’
He referenced it again a second time later, adding: ‘Now we have to pick ourselves up and be ready for an early kick-off on Saturday again.’
However, Rooney was displeased with Van Dijk’s remarks, interjecting as host Kelly Cates presented the interview and criticizing the Liverpool captain. He also expressed his belief that Liverpool has repeatedly made grievances about kick-off times this season.
Interjecting after Van Dijk’s interview, Rooney said: ‘Sorry, I think the worrying thing there is – and I think it’s happened a lot throughout the season as well – he’s the captain and he’s saying about Liverpool getting out-fought.
‘But, again, we’re hearing about 12.30pm kick-offs after he’s just lost a derby!
‘Now he, and that whole Liverpool team, should be wanting to be on the pitch tomorrow morning to get the next game going.
‘Because when you lose a game – especially a derby game – you want the next game to come quick.
‘And, again, we’ve heard it so, so many times this season with Liverpool about 12.30pm kick-offs. Get on with it! That’s part of your job, get on with it! And he should be ready to play.’
