Virgil van Dijk insists Mohamed Salah’s outburst on Saturday has had no impact on the Liverpool squad, saying he did not notice any difference in ‘perfectly normal’ training.
Salah grabbed the headlines after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds on Saturday, having been left on the bench for the whole match at Elland Road.
He claimed he has been ‘thrown under the bus’ by the club, made a scapegoat for their poor season so far and suggested he could leave in January.
It was a remarkable rant from the Reds legend and he was immediately punished as he did not travel with the squad to Italy for the Champions League clash with Inter on Tuesday night.
Salah did train with his teammates before they departed for Milan – where Dominik Szoboszlai scored a late penalty in a 1-0 win – and Van Dijk says everything was fine in the squad despite the forward’s explosive comments.
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‘It wasn’t too difficult. Obviously it’s his feelings that he had after the game,’ Van Dijk told Sky Sports. ‘We came in on Sunday and I didn’t feel any different in terms of the team, the players.
‘We all know what’s going on, but I think the outside world makes it what it is, bigger than ever.
‘We just have to deal with the facts, that we had a big game tonight, that everyone had to be ready for and we have another big game at the weekend. Whatever happens, we’ll see. Nothing more, nothing less.’
Asked if he had spoken to Salah since Saturday and if he would divulge what was said, the Reds captain replied: ‘Of course I spoke to him. No, of course not. It’s none of anyone’s business.’
Salah’s future at Anfield appears to be hanging in the balance, but asked if he would like his long-time teammate to stay, Van Dijk was clear.
What did Salah say? Key quotes from explosive interview
On transfer interest from the Saudi Pro League: ‘I don’t want to answer this question, because the club is going to take me to a different direction.’
On being benched again versus Leeds: ‘The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I’m very, very disappointed to be fair. I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season. Now I’m sitting on the bench and I don’t know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame.’
On his relationship with Arne Slot: ‘I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden, we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn’t want me in the club.’
On whether Saturday’s game against Brighton could be his last Liverpool game: ‘In my head, I’m going to enjoy that game because I don’t know what is going to happen now. I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go the Africa Cup (of Nations). I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.’
On whether he regrets signing a new contract last season: ‘Imagine how bad that I have to answer it, honestly. That hurts, even the question hurts. This club, signing for this club, I will never regret it. I thought I’m going to renew here and end my career here, but this is not according to the plan.’
‘Of course. I’ve been with Mo for such a long time,’ he said. ‘He’s been a big part of my success that I’ve had at the club. He’s a big part of the club’s success, I’m a big part of his success. We’ve all been doing it together at Liverpool.
‘The reality is that he’s going away on the weekend. Hopefully he has an amazing African Cup of Nations. In the meantime I have no idea what will happen.
‘100 per cent [I hope he returns to play for Liverpool]. But I’m not a decision-maker here. It’s a decision between the club and Mo. Whatever happens, we are friends, we’ve been through highs and lows. Let’s see. Let’s see what it brings.’
Arne Slot’s squad was a little stretched in Milan as he did not have Cody Gakpo or Federico Chiesa available either.
Questioned on if he felt Salah had let the team down with his words, the Dutch defender said: ‘I’m not going to comment on that whatsoever. I don’t think there’s any point in saying if someone let someone down.
‘He didn’t travel based on the consequences of what he said after the game, that’s it. He trained yesterday, perfectly normal. Let’s see when we come back and train on Friday what the situation will be like. My focus is on the team.
‘At this point Mo is still part of the team, so let’s see what happens.’
Andy Robertson is another Liverpool great who has played alongside Salah for years and the Scot hopes the Egyptian does not leave under a cloud.
‘Tough situation. We’re talking about one of the greatest players to play for this club,’ said Robertson.
‘I signed in the same window as him. Whatever has happened, happened. Internally, we’re all together.’
On Salah’s future he said: ‘That’ll be up to other people, it’s not up to me. I love playing with Mo Salah and I hope to continue playing with him.’
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