Van Dijk calls Liverpool's season 'unacceptable' after 18th defeat

Key facts

• Liverpool lost 3-2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
• The defeat was Liverpool's 18th in all competitions this season.
• Liverpool are fourth in the Premier League, needing four points from three games to secure a top-five finish.
• Virgil van Dijk described the season as 'unacceptable' and 'very disappointing'.
• Arne Slot was without Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, and two goalkeepers due to injury.
• Liverpool are the defending champions but have lost 11 league games this season.
• The last reigning champions to lose more league games were Leicester City (18) in 2016-17.

Liverpool's title defence unravels at Old Trafford

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has branded his side's season 'unacceptable' after a 3-2 defeat at Manchester United left the defending champions clinging to a Champions League berth. The loss, Liverpool's 18th in all competitions, further exposed the fragility of a squad that has struggled to replicate last season's dominance. Arne Slot's team, crowned champions 12 months ago, now sit fourth in the Premier League table. With only three matches remaining, they require four points to guarantee a top-five finish and a place in Europe's elite club competition.

Van Dijk rejects excuses, demands accountability

Speaking after the match, Van Dijk refused to blame the club's injury crisis, which sidelined star forwards Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak, as well as two goalkeepers. 'I'm not here to make excuses,' the Dutch defender said. 'It's been a very disappointing season, an unacceptable season for us, and it's tough. We shouldn't feel sorry for ourselves whatsoever.' He stressed that the squad must take responsibility for their performances. 'We have to work, we have to turn this around and make sure that next season these things don't happen because it's not Liverpool.'

Captain defends players' free time amid criticism

Van Dijk also pushed back against criticism that Liverpool players had too much leisure time, after several were photographed abroad before the United game. 'I'm not sure it's a holiday. It's a city trip,' he said. 'But I think if you have one day off, and you don't have many days off, they decide what they want to do with their families. We are not kids. Everyone is an adult.' When asked if the team had too many days off, he retorted: 'Really? I wish we had a couple more days off at times because I think it works both ways. You see Pep Guardiola giving (Manchester City) three days off, for example, the last weeks in a row and they are doing pretty well. It is finding the right balance.'

Historic slump for a defending champion

The defeat was Liverpool's 11th in the league this season, a staggering tally for a team that won the title by 18 points last year. the last reigning champions to lose more league games were Leicester City, who lost 18 in 2016-17. Van Dijk acknowledged the gravity of the statistic: 'I think it's unacceptable that we have lost too many times as defending champions of the Premier League and we shouldn't accept it.' He added that significant work lies ahead. 'There will be a lot of work that has to be done going into next season. When I am back from the World Cup I will go into it, but there is a lot of work to be done behind the scenes.'

Champions League qualification hangs in the balance

Liverpool's remaining fixtures offer a narrow path to salvage their season. With three games left, they need four points to secure a top-five finish and Champions League football. Van Dijk underscored the financial and sporting stakes: 'We have three games left and the realisation has to come from ourselves, as a group and as players, to make sure that we are in the Champions League because of the impact of it for the financial side for the club. But also because we want to be playing against the best teams in Europe.' Despite the setbacks, he vowed to remain committed. 'I care so much about this club. I know that it has been a tough season, but I will always be there in good and lesser good days. It's not easy. But we keep going.'

Slot under pressure as season ends without silverware

Manager Arne Slot is facing mounting scrutiny after failing to keep Liverpool in the title race. The team will finish the season without a trophy, a stark contrast to last year's triumph. Slot's tactical decisions and squad management have been questioned, particularly given the absence of key players due to injury. The defeat at Old Trafford ended a three-game winning run in the Premier League, highlighting the inconsistency that has plagued Liverpool's campaign. With the Champions League not yet secured, Slot's position could come under further review if the team fails to qualify.

The bottom line

• Liverpool have lost 18 matches in all competitions this season, including 11 in the Premier League.
• Virgil van Dijk called the season 'unacceptable' and called for significant changes behind the scenes.
• The defending champions need four points from their final three games to secure Champions League qualification.
• Injuries to key players like Salah, Ekitike, and Isak have hampered Liverpool's campaign.
• Manager Arne Slot is under pressure after a season without silverware and a poor title defence.
• Van Dijk defended players' use of free time, comparing it to Pep Guardiola's approach at Manchester City.