![\"Alan](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_AS.jpg\")
Alan Shearer has sent a clear message to Virgil van Dijk<\/p>\nVirgil van Dijk has become embroiled in a war of words with pundit Wayne Rooney in recent weeks \u2013 and now Alan Shearer has sent a message to the Liverpool captainAlan Shearer has sent a clear message to Virgil van Dijk<\/p>\n
Alan Shearer has told Virgil van Dijk to stop having pops at pundits and do his talking on the pitch after he became embroiled in a war of words with Wayne Rooney. The former Manchester United<\/a> man first criticised Van Dijk after the Reds lost to Brentford last month, as he questioned his commitment since signing a new contract.<\/a><\/p>\n The Liverpool skipper hit back at what he regarded as “lazy” comments, and the two were then involved in an awkward exchange as they addressed the situation face-to-face<\/a> after Liverpool\u2019s 1-0 Champions League<\/a> victory over Real Madrid at Anfield<\/a>. Rooney would admit earlier this week that he “went a bit too strong” with his criticism of the Dutchman but also called on the Reds skipper to focus on his game.<\/p>\n But given Liverpool<\/a> have lost four away games in succession for the first time in 13 years and have conceded 17 goals in their 11 league matches, Shearer has told Van Dijk<\/a> that pundits are well within their right to have a go at him and his team-mates.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Ibrahima Konate explains Hugo Ekitike’s determination to become Liverpool and France star<\/a>READ MORE: Florian Wirtz bold Liverpool claim made after Julian Nagelsmann blunt comments – ‘In time’<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI think it’s very difficult as a player to come out and have a pop back when you’ve lost five games this season and in the manner you’ve lost them,\u201d he told Betfair<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cYou’re entitled to do that, I guess, as a captain. He’s trying to stick up for his team.<\/p>\n “I think the bigger picture is, if you’re going to come back and have a pop at a pundit for saying that you’ve been poor, then you’ve got to back it up. And the game after that, he was really poor himself again, and as his team were.<\/p>\n “Your best talking is on the pitch and getting results. They were really, really poor, so I think the pundits are well within their reason to have a pop.\u201d<\/p>\n Following Sunday\u2019s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad, Arne Slot\u2019s<\/a> side are now eight points behind leaders Arsenal.<\/p>\n And former Newcastle United forward Shearer believes not only are Liverpool out of the title race, but they won\u2019t win anything this season if they don\u2019t improve.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cIf Liverpool continue to play like they did against Manchester City, then they won’t win anything.<\/p>\n \u201cThey’ll get dumped out of whatever competitions they’re in. They’ve got the FA Cup<\/a> and the Champions League<\/a>, but I do think the league’s gone for them now they’ve lost five games.<\/p>\n \u201cI don’t see them being in a title race now. I think they would have to probably win every single game between now and the end of the season.<\/p>\n \u201cI don’t think that’s possible. So, I think their title race is done. It’s the Champions League or the FA Cup for Liverpool<\/a>, but they won’t be winning any of those unless they improve anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n Blood Red – November 2025 issue on sale now<\/p>\n Dive into the heart of Liverpool FC with Blood Red, the ECHO\u2019s monthly magazine packed with exclusive interviews, expert analysis, and nostalgic stories. This edition features The Coral\u2019s James Skelly on his love for the Reds, Chris Kirkland\u2019s powerful mental health journey, and David James\u2019 take on Alisson\u2019s place among LFC legends.<\/p>\n Plus, tactical insights from Andy Dunn and Andrew Beasley, Kop banner creator Peter Carney, and interviews with celebrity fans Chris McAusland and Will Arnett. The ultimate read for every Liverpool supporter.<\/p>\n![\"Virgil](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1_GettyImages-2245963117.jpg\")
Virgil van Dijk was embroiled in a back-and-forth with Wayne Rooney over Liverpool’s form(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_Blood-Red-Standalone-DIGITAL-Nov-25-BILLBOARD-Revised.jpg\")
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