The ongoing row between Wayne Rooney and Virgil van Dijk has continued following Liverpool’s humiliating 3-0 loss at Manchester City.
In his latest appearance on the Overlap Fan Debate podcast, Rooney advised the 34-year-old not to get involved with outside noise and focus on his game.
Rooney criticised Van Dijk’s body language last month before the pair were involved in an awkward exchange during Amazon Prime’s coverage of the Reds’ Champions League victory over Real Madrid.
The former England international admitted he was wrong to question the defender’s commitment, but still criticised the skipper’s performances this season.
He said: “My job now is to give my opinions. I like to think I try to be straight and honest with my opinions on what I feel and what I see.
“The one thing where I maybe went a bit too strong is where I said he’s maybe downed tools since he signed a new contract – that’s a big statement to say, so maybe I was wrong on that.
“But from a performance level, from what we’ve seen, Van Dijk, I don’t think he’s been at the level he has this season.
“I said I’m sure as captain he’d be speaking to players, taking the team out for food, which he said he has done. Clearly, if he’s felt he’s done that, he’s had to do that, then there’s something not right.“
“As champions, you can’t lose four games in a row. If you lose one game, there are questions. If you lose four in a row, there’s something not right.
“I think getting involved too much in the outside noise – that’s our job. Focus on your game, because as a younger player, I’d be looking at Van Dijk and how he reacts to this, how is that going to help them?
“I just think you have to get on with your game and speak internally.”
The 34-year-old was at fault for City’s second goal and was underwhelming throughout the contest.
He lost possession on eight occasions and completed just 38 percent of his long balls.
Liverpool dropped down to eighth in the league standings following their fifth defeat of the season.
Manager Arne Slot must inspire a comeback after the international break to get his team back in contention for the Premier League title.
Stats from Sofascore.
