Slot Singles Out Van Dijk and Kerkez After Palace Stunner
Liverpool’s last-minute defeat to Crystal Palace has taken a dramatic twist after manager Arne Slot openly blamed Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez for Eddie Nketiah’s stoppage-time winner.
Clearly agitated in his post-match press conference, Slot refused to spread responsibility across the team. Instead, he delivered a cutting verdict:
“Not us, he. That goal wasn’t about the team, it was about one man losing focus. We were in control, but at this level, you cannot switch off for a second.”
The Decisive Moment
After Federico Chiesa’s equalizer, Liverpool looked set to leave Selhurst Park with a point. But in the dying seconds, defensive discipline crumbled. Palace launched one final push, and Nketiah was left unmarked to smash home the winner. Slot’s comments strongly implied Van Dijk and Kerkez were culpable, their lapse in concentration proving fatal.
What makes the remarks even bolder is that Van Dijk is not only Liverpool’s captain but also the cornerstone of their defence for the past six years. Publicly questioning his focus risks sending shockwaves through the dressing room.
Fans and Pundits Split
Reaction has been fierce and divided:
- “Finally, a manager who tells it how it is. Van Dijk has to be accountable.”
- “You don’t publicly shame your captain. That should have been handled privately.”
- Pundits added that Slot’s message was clear: reputation will not shield anyone from criticism under his leadership.
More Than Just Three Points Lost
The defeat damages Liverpool’s title bid but also raises deeper questions. Can Slot maintain unity after publicly calling out senior players? Will Van Dijk and Kerkez rise to the challenge — or could resentment creep in during a crucial stage of the season?
Conclusion
By singling out his captain and a new signing, Slot has turned a painful defeat into one of the season’s biggest controversies. His blunt approach shows that no one at Liverpool is untouchable.
But for supporters, one question lingers: was this truly Van Dijk and Kerkez’s fault — or has Slot taken too much of a gamble with his words?
