The Digest:
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted that the club's troubled season has been "unacceptable" following a 3-2 defeat at Manchester United that dented their push for Champions League qualification. Arne Slot's side, crowned champions 12 months ago, have suffered 18 defeats in all competitions this term. Liverpool still need four points from their remaining three games to seal a top-five finish and a place in Europe's elite competition. Van Dijk refused to use injuries to Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak as excuses, saying, "We shouldn't feel sorry for ourselves whatsoever."
Key Points:
- The reigning champions have endured a dismal title defence with 18 defeats.
- Liverpool needs four points from three games to qualify for the Champions League.
- Van Dijk dismissed criticism of players taking trips before the United game.
- He called for consistency and vowed that next season "can't repeat" this campaign.
- The season will end without silverware for Liverpool.
Sources: Vanguard News, Marca
