Liverpool complacency claim made after what van Dijk said on Wembley pitch
Liverpool have endured the toughest week of a superb debut season so far for Arne Slot, losing out on the Carabao Cup after elimination from the Champions League.
Newcastle United claimed the scalp of the Reds last Sunday (16 March) to lift their first major trophy in 70 years at Wembley, while Paris Saint-Germain’s penalties win at Anfield set up a quarter-final tie in Europe with Aston Villa.
With accusations of complacency, tiredness and lack of intensity, one expert has looked to get to the bottom of why Liverpool lost out on a first major honour for Slot after comments made by Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk speech ‘showed’ Liverpool were not complacent v Newcastle
Liverpool were never going to be complacent and merely lost to Eddie Howe’s side on the day because they performed like “wild animals”, according to Ian Darke.
The TV commentator, exclusively speaking to Liverpool News, insisted the scoreline of a 2-1 defeat actually flattered the Reds and claimed the focus was there – they were just outclassed.
Darke cited the rousing comments made by captain van Dijk in the pre-match huddle between the team on the Wembley pitch, in which the Dutchman was heard reminding his teammates how hard they had worked to win the Carabao Cup.
“Being blunt about it, Liverpool didn’t turn up at Wembley for that final,” Darke conceded.
“I don’t think it was complacency – they wanted that trophy and worked hard for it, like you heard from Virgil van Dijk in their pre-match huddle – but their batteries were flat.
“It would’ve hardened their resolve to pick up a trophy. They flicked the switch and there was nothing there, and Newcastle came at them like wild animals – a completely different level on the day, and 2-1 flattered Liverpool.”
Slot soon to scoop Reds’ second Premier League title
Liverpool fans can – barring a catastrophe – at least soon look forward to a return to their perch as Premier League top dogs, for the second time in its current format and the first time in front of a full crowd of supporters.
Slot’s ultra-competitive Reds are probably hitting international duty at the right time, having been left reeling from the denial of two trophies in the space of five days.
| Liverpool – 2024-25 | Position/stage reached |
| Premier League | 1st* |
| Champions League | Round of 16 |
| FA Cup | Fourth round |
| EFL Cup | Runners-up |
Anfield will however welcome a glittering piece of silverware very soon with the Premier League trophy, with Slot equalling the total of league titles won by Jurgen Klopp within his first year in charge.
Six wins will do it for Liverpool, starting with the latest instalment of the what will be an intensified Merseyside derby against Everton on home turf on 2 April.