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Wayne Rooney calls out Virgil van Dijk for lame excuse as Liverpool lose ground in title race

Originally posted on Stretty News | By Dale O'Donnell | Last updated 4/24/24

Former Manchester United goalscorer Wayne Rooney was not impressed by Virgil van Dijk’s comments after Liverpool were beaten 2-0 by Everton.

Rooney immediately called out the Liverpool captain after his post-match interview which included a lame excuse he squeezed in ahead of their Premier League clash at West Ham this weekend.

Liverpool usually breeze past Everton in one of the Premier League’s most one-sided – possibly overrated – derby ties, but this time they suffered their first defeat at Goodison Park since 2010.

United transfer target Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin got on the scoresheet to deal Liverpool a blow in the Premier League title race.

Van Dijk was critical of his side’s performance.

However, people couldn’t help but pick up on the Dutchman having a dig when he told the Sky Sports reporter, “It’s time to focus on the 12:30 kick-off again” – referencing their trip to West Ham on Saturday.

"We weren't good enough."

A 'very disappointed' Virgil van Dijk reacts to Liverpool's 2-0 defeat at Goodison Park pic.twitter.com/g4IcvfJGsY

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 24, 2024

This is an excuse usually made by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp – but most will agree that it has been overused now, as the German coach leaves Anfield with his tail between his legs.

Rooney was covering the Merseyside derby for Sky Sports when he felt the need to address Van Dijk’s predictable excuse.

United’s all-time record goalscorer said: “That Liverpool team should be wanting to be on the pitch tomorrow.

“I think the worrying thing there – and I think it’s happened a lot throughout the season as well.

“He’s the captain and he’s talking about Liverpool getting outfought but again we’re hearing about 12:30 kick-offs after he’s just lost a derby.

“That Liverpool team should be wanting to be on the pitch tomorrow morning to get the next game going.

“When you lose a game, especially a derby game, you want the next game to come quick.

“We’ve heard it so many times this season with Liverpool about 12:30 kick-offs.

“Get on with it! That’s part of your job! Get on with it and you should be ready to play.”

"That Liverpool team should be wanting to be on the pitch tomorrow"

Wayne Rooney says Liverpool need to get on with it pic.twitter.com/jKyiPQQYOJ

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 24, 2024