Virgil Van Dijk’s Telling Response When Asked if Mo Salah Should Apologise
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has spoken out on whether Mohamed Salah should apologise following his explosive interview on Saturday night.
After Liverpool's 3-3 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road, Salah criticised the club and manager Arne Slot.
Having been named as a substitute for the third time in a week, he claimed to have been "thrown under the bus" by the club and said he had no relationship with Slot.
Although he trained with the squad on Monday, he was left out of the travelling party for the match against Inter Milan.
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Liverpool secured a much-needed 1-0 victory thanks to a late penalty converted by Dominik Szoboszlai.
Despite moving into eighth place in the 36-team league phase, much of the post-match focus remained on Salah's future at Liverpool.
Among those asked about the Egyptian forward was captain van Dijk.
He said: "It's not up to me to say who should apologise. It's him airing his feelings. The club have to deal with it and him as well. It's a collective situation.
"Things between Mo and the club are going on and he is obviously not here today helping us get three points."
Liverpool's next match will see them host Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday in the Premier League.
After that game, Salah will travel to Morocco to represent Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
He will remain with Egypt until at least December 29, when they play their third and final group match.
If Egypt reach the final, he could be away until January 18.
By that stage, the January transfer window will be open, meaning Salah would be free to leave, should both the player and the club seek a transfer.
Van Dijk added: "The reality is Mo Salah is going to Africa.
"I have known Mo a long time. He is a friend. We have had highs and lows. We speak, those type of things will stay indoors.
"We have to brace ourselves and be against the outside noise. We have to be a unit.
"That's what Liverpool stands for in my opinion.
"There is obviously so much noise from the outside world. Especially if you don't perform and it's deserved."
Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson also came to Salah's defence, saying: "Internally we're all together."
The Scotsman added that he enjoys playing alongside Salah and wants to continue doing so.
Salah's contract was set to expire last summer, until he signed a two-year extension in April.
Although he has struggled for form since then, there is still expected to be interest from the Saudi Pro League and MLS should he leave Liverpool.
Topics: Liverpool, Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, Arne Slot, Football, Premier League
James Taylor