Van Dijk explains meeting that helped end Reds' losing streak

VIRGIL VAN DIJK has explained why he called the unplanned team meeting that has helped rekindle 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 the AXA Training Centre the following day for their usual debrief with the coaching staff, with Van Dijk also arranging an impromptu meeting for the players only to address the issues of a difficult campaign to date.

And the Liverpool skipper admitted there were a number of matters he felt needed to be aired with the new-look squad.

"On Monday everyone was sad because we lost to Man United at home," said Van Dijk. "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.

"Obviously we also had a proper debrief with the manager but we also had a separate one as players. I wanted to say some things. It wasn't a crisis meeting. It's not something I do after every game. Let's keep it that way!"