Van Dijk criticises Slot departure leaks after learning news on landing in Amsterdam

Virgil van Dijk has criticised the media leaks that preceded Arne Slot’s official departure from Liverpool, telling Dutch broadcaster NOS that he discovered the news upon landing in Amsterdam on Saturday afternoon — before any formal communication from the club.

“I landed in Amsterdam on Saturday afternoon and it had already leaked,” Van Dijk said after the Netherlands’ 2-1 defeat to Algeria on Wednesday. “After that, of course, I had conversations. But the decision had already been made earlier. It is not like they are asking me how or what.”

The Liverpool captain, who is the first player at the club to speak publicly about Slot’s exit, expressed frustration at the speed with which the story entered the public domain. “We are now living in a world where everyone wants to be the first person to break the news. These people are the ones that benefit from it. Yeah… this is the reality.”

Despite his irritation at the manner of the announcement, Van Dijk was warm in his farewell to Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff. “I have spoken with Arne and with Sipke. That is the most important thing for me. I am very grateful to them — for everything they have meant, not only to me but also to the club. I wish them nothing but success.”

Slot’s departure follows a difficult campaign that saw Liverpool finish fifth in the Premier League, a position that still secured Champions League qualification but fell well short of the standards set during his debut season in charge.

In its official statement, Liverpool confirmed that a search for a replacement was already under way. Former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has since emerged as the club’s primary target, with talks progressing quickly. The 43-year-old is expected to sign a two-year deal at Anfield and is understood to want Pablo de la Torre, Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper and Tom Webber to join him as part of his backroom staff. He would also be reunited with former Bournemouth players Milos Kerkez and sporting director Richard Hughes.

Meanwhile, several Liverpool players have their attention elsewhere as the World Cup gets under way next Thursday. Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch were all involved in the Netherlands’ defeat to Algeria, while Jeremie Frimpong missed out on Ronald Koeman’s squad entirely. Hugo Ekitike and Curtis Jones are among other Liverpool players who will not be travelling to the tournament.