Virgil van Dijk calls on society to respect Klopp and explains why Liverpool’s manager deserves a chance.
On 6 Feb 2026, Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool captain, expressed that former players turned football analysts should be mindful of their responsibility toward young players when offering criticism, while acknowledging that criticism is a normal part of football.
The Dutch defender spoke to Gary Neville ahead of Liverpool’s home game at Anfield against Manchester City on Sunday, 8 February, kicking off at 23:30 Thailand time.
Van Dijk observed that some current criticism has become clickbait content, disregarding its mental impact on players, especially young stars who constantly follow social media.
He also noted that the situation will worsen due to the rise of online platforms and headline-driven clickbait, stressing that top former players with experience should help protect younger players in some respects.
Regarding Liverpool’s performance and head coach Jürgen Klopp, who is under scrutiny for results worse than last season, Van Dijk admitted the criticism is appropriate because the team has underperformed at times.
However, he distinguished between criticism and disrespect. Klopp is one of the most watched figures at Liverpool after the team’s decline from the previous season.
"The criticism this season is something we deserve because of how we’ve played at times, with the defeats we’ve had in succession. That’s not the standard we set last year," he said.
"But on one hand, there’s criticism, and on the other, there’s a lack of respect."
"We are in a process, and it takes time. As far as I know, Liverpool is not a club that makes rash decisions, and they believe in the process."
"But I also know how football works. I understand the pressure managers face, and that they must take responsibility for results."
"I still feel this is a process, and from my point of view, he deserves respect and a chance to see this process through to a positive end."
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