Virgil van Dijk Calls Out Reporter After ‘Disrespectful’ Arne Slot Remark

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has called out a reporter for a "very disrespectful" comment to manager Arne Slot.

Ahead of Liverpool's Champions League win over Marseille, Slot was left stunned by a question he was asked by a journalist in his pre-match press conference.

Previewing the game, Slot, who has been under pressure for large parts of this season after a huge drop-off, was asked "about the rumours of Xabi Alonso and Liverpool", whether he felt the "rising pressure" from fans booing and if he talked to the Spaniard at all.

Slot didn't quite know how to react to the question centering around former Liverpool midfielder Alonso, who is a free agent once again after being given the boot by Real Madrid.

With Slot struggling in his second season, there have been strong links to former Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso.

Arne Slot was in disbelief over the question a reporter asked him. Image: Getty

Laughing at what he was being asked, Slot replied: "Yeah, he called me.

"He asked, ‘What do you think about the team, because I’m going to take over in six months, can you tell me a little bit more’, or maybe earlier? Maybe he takes over tomorrow!

Slot then called it "one of the most weirdest questions I’ve ever got" but then proceeded to discuss the boos from Liverpool's draw with Burnley at Anfield.

Liverpool bounced back with an impressive 3-0 win at the Stade Veledrome, with goals coming from Dominik Szoboszlai, Geronimo Rulli (own goal) and Cody Gakpo.

The Reds moved up to fourth in the Champions League table on 15 points and look good value to automatically qualify for the knockout stage.

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Skipper Van Dijk also felt the need to address the question which undermined Slot's integrity and blasted the reporter but praised his manager for how he responded.

“That was very disrespectful," Van Dijk stated.

“Criticism is part of the game, we all know that, but I think there is also a reason why he (the journalist) is not here.

“It’s been a very difficult part of the season for us players and the manager as well but in my opinion he handled it very well."

Van Dijk slammed the journalist for the question he asked. Image: Getty

Liverpool face Azerbaijani side Qarabag away from home in the final matchday, where all fixtures kick off at the same time.

The top eight sides will secure automatic progression and avoid a play-off, with Liverpool two points ahead of ninth-placed Barcelona.

Before then, Liverpool are back in Premier League action on Saturday when they travel to Bournemouth.