Virgil van Dijk sets record straight after 'misinformation' from Liverpool meeting

Virgil van Dijk has denied that he called for a players-only meeting in Liverpool's recovery from their FA Cup draw with Burnley, ahead of Wednesday's win over Marseille

Virgil van Dijk rubbished reports(Image: TNT Sports)

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk dismissed reports claiming he organised a players-only meeting following the Reds' stumble against Burnley. The towering Dutch defender helped his side return to winning ways with a commanding 3-0 victory over Marseille in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, but refuted suggestions that he galvanized the team through an intense squad gathering after the Clarets stalemate.

Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo, along with an own-goal, secured all three points for Arne Slot's men in France. Liverpool are now well-positioned to progress to the knockout stages of the European competition without requiring a play-off.

Some media outlets had suggested Van Dijk asked to speak to his colleagues at the training ground on Monday, having taken similar action following a loss to Manchester United in October, during a difficult period when Liverpool dropped nine out of 12 matches. However, the former Southampton centre-back rubbished claims he led a team discussion this week.

"Obviously there was going to be a meeting after the Burnley game but I didn't say there was a meeting by me," he told TNT Sports. "I don't know where this misinformation is coming from."

Van Dijk's manager, Slot, appeared equally bemused by the suggestion before kick-off. The former Feyenoord boss stated: "I am not aware that Virgil called for [team meeting], we had a post-match meeting led by me.

"Once this season I am aware the players came together, months ago. Post-match meeting was positives we did and where we can do a bit better to make sure if you perform like that - so many shots - that doesn't result in a draw."

Virgil van Dijk was bemused by 'misinformation'(Image: Stuart Franklin - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Following the Burnley clash, a visibly frustrated Van Dijk hinted at the need for a crucial team discussion. "I'm frustrated that after 60 minutes we started to become sloppy and it's not the first time," he said.

"It's been spoken about already but we have to address it again apparently and Monday will be a big one for it because Wednesday will be a very difficult game over there not only because of the atmosphere but it's against a [Roberto] De Zerbi team who make it very difficult for you.

"It's not about me addressing it, it is about how can we solve it because we all want to win games and we had plenty of chances to do so [against Burnley]."

Even following the victory against Marseille, Liverpool's skipper maintained his focus, emphasising the significance of the forthcoming fixture against Bournemouth. The Reds travel to the south coast on Saturday, and Van Dijk anticipates a challenging encounter.

"We keep saying after a win or a good result, it's just to fully focus on recovery right now and then we are going to Bournemouth, they are a very difficult team to beat," he said. "A team that plays very good football and a very good manager. We have to me more than ready."