Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has spoken publicly about how the squad handled the wave of criticism that followed Mohamed Salah’s explosive comments late last year.

The debate erupted in December 2025 after Salah suggested he had been unfairly treated by the club. The Egyptian forward claimed promises made during the summer were not honoured, described feeling “thrown under the bus,” and admitted his relationship with head coach Arne Slot had completely fractured after he was left out of the starting XI for back-to-back matches.

Those remarks dominated headlines and triggered intense discussion among supporters and pundits alike.

What triggered Salah’s outburst?

Tensions reached boiling point following Liverpool’s dramatic 3–3 draw away at Leeds, where Salah remained on the bench throughout the match. In the aftermath, he voiced his frustration, hinting that he had been made a scapegoat during a period of uneven performances and defensive struggles.

Van Dijk’s response as captain

As scrutiny mounted, Van Dijk moved to calm the situation and clarify how the squad reacted internally. Speaking in interviews and post-match discussions around Liverpool’s January 2026 fixtures — including the win over Newcastle — the Dutch defender made it clear that the group refused to let the noise create divisions.

According to Van Dijk, the atmosphere inside the dressing room remained stable, with no lingering fallout from Salah’s comments. He stressed that while frustrations are natural in a competitive environment, they are handled collectively and kept within the team.

He repeatedly highlighted a “no excuses” mentality, insisting that criticism — whether from fans, former players, or the media — must be addressed through performances rather than finger-pointing.

Unity over negativity

Van Dijk also addressed wider criticism aimed at Liverpool, including fan frustration at Anfield, debates about leadership and body language, and ongoing analysis of defensive lapses. His message was firm: unity is essential.

He called on supporters to turn Anfield into a hostile environment for visiting teams, urging them to channel their energy into backing the players instead of amplifying negativity. In his view, the remaining home games could be decisive if the stadium becomes a source of momentum rather than pressure.

While acknowledging issues such as lapses in concentration after strong starts to matches, Van Dijk framed them as collective problems requiring collective solutions. Winning, he insisted, depends on accountability from everyone — not public blame.

Support for Salah, but with accountability

Despite the controversy, Van Dijk has continued to publicly back Salah, making it clear he values him as both a leader and a crucial figure in the squad. At the same time, he subtly reinforced that no individual is bigger than the team, underlining the importance of standards and responsibility — even for star players.

Liverpool pushing forward

All of this has unfolded during a season marked by sharp contrasts. Liverpool have enjoyed standout moments, including emphatic victories and strong title ambitions, while also dealing with injuries, defensive instability, and costly draws.

Van Dijk’s leadership has been widely credited with keeping the squad focused, especially amid squad changes, emotional moments, and the integration of new faces.

The captain’s message

The takeaway from Van Dijk’s comments is clear: Liverpool have absorbed the criticism, closed ranks, and remain determined to respond where it matters most — on the pitch.

As the season reaches a critical phase, the captain believes unity inside the dressing room and support from the stands could make all the difference.