VAN DIJK: THE MEET WAS ON AT LIVERPOOL

VIRGIL VAN DIJK has explained why he called an unplanned team meeting that helped spark Liverpool's spluttering season.

- BY IAN DOYLE

The Reds romped to a 5-1 Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany on Wednesday evening having lost their previous four games.

Arne Slot's side attracted particular criticism for the manner of their dismal 2-1 reverse at home to Manchester United on Sunday, which left them on the brink of their worst run of results in 72 years.

The squad reconvened at training the following day for their usual debrief with the coaching staff, with van Dijk also arranging an impromptu meeting for the players only.

The skipper admitted there were a number of matters he felt needed to be aired with the new-look squad. He said: "On Monday everyone was sad because we lost to Man United.

"We haven't lost many games at home during my time at Liverpool.

"It was tough under the circumstances so on Monday we came together but it wasn’t a crisis meeting. We all know how things can change. We're only in October.