Virgil van Dijk Plans Liverpool Players’ Meeting: “I Don’t Like Boos from My Own Fans”

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is set to convene another players-only meeting on Monday to tackle recurring issues plaguing the team, including fan boos and sloppy performances that threaten their Champions League hopes.[2][3]

Van Dijk's frustration peaked after Saturday's frustrating 1-1 draw against Burnley at Anfield, where Liverpool dominated but conceded a late equalizer due to a brief spell of sloppiness in the second half. "I'm frustrated that after 60 minutes we started to become sloppy and it's not the first time," the Dutch defender told reporters, unusually quick to exit the dressing room post-match.[3] This marks the first time since 2008 that Liverpool have drawn four straight league games, heightening the urgency ahead of a tough Champions League clash with Marseille.[3]

The planned meeting echoes Van Dijk's earlier initiative in October, following a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United amid a dismal run of four losses—including nine defeats in 12 matches overall. That players-only huddle, separate from manager Arne Slot's debrief, helped spark a turnaround, culminating in a 5-1 Champions League thrashing of Eintracht Frankfurt and ending a potential fifth straight loss for the first time in 72 years.[1][3] "On Monday, everyone was sad... We came together, but it wasn't a crisis meeting," Van Dijk reflected then, emphasizing resilience despite dropping to fourth in the Premier League, four points behind Arsenal.[1]

Adding to the tension, Van Dijk openly expressed dismay at boos from his own fans: "I don’t like boos from my own fans."[2] He urged the squad to ignore external "noise" and embrace Liverpool's intense scrutiny, as he advised young star Florian Wirtz earlier in the season.[1] With Mohamed Salah's imminent return from the Africa Cup of Nations—despite his recent fallout with Slot and third-place finish—Van Dijk highlighted the forward's vital role: "Mo is a very important member of our squad on and off the pitch."[3]

The Monday session at the training ground aims to refocus the team for Wednesday's high-stakes trip to face Roberto De Zerbi's Marseille, where atmosphere and tactics will test Liverpool's resolve.[3]