Steven Gerrard tears into Virgil van Dijk’s and issues Arne Slot sack warning

Last Updated on 7 April 2026

Steven Gerrard has broken his silence on Liverpool’s recent struggles, and he hasn’t held back. The club legend has taken aim at Virgil van Dijk following his comments about the FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, making his feelings crystal clear.

And while Gerrard ‘wants’ Arne Slot to succeed, the former captain has also delivered a stark warning about what’s at stake in the weeks ahead.

Here’s what the former Liverpool and England captain had to say in his rant.

Steven Gerrard rips into Virgil van Dijk over ‘gave up’ FA Cup controversy

Virgil van Dijk’s post-match admission that Liverpool “shouldn’t give up”, and that perhaps they did, has not gone down well with arguably the club’s greatest ever player.

The Dutchman reflected on the 3-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City by acknowledging the second half collapse. He said it was “mentally very tough” and that giving up “maybe happened at a certain point”, comments that set alarm bells ringing across the fanbase.

Gerrard was unequivocal in response. “It’s even more alarming what the players are saying after the game, saying there’s no fight, gave the game up, at Liverpool.” He told talkSPORT. “That can’t happen on the pitch and can’t be said off it. Worrying, worrying times I must say.”

‘Worry for manager’s position’, claims Gerrard ahead of crunch week for Arne Slot

For Gerrard, what happens against Fulham in the Premier League this week carries every bit as much weight as Tuesday’s Champions League clash with PSG.

Liverpool currently sit fifth but are five points behind Aston Villa in fourth spot. While fifth should be good enough for a Champions League spot for next season, Liverpool’s position isn’t iron-clad.

Chelsea are only a point behind the Reds. Meanwhile, Brentford sit in seventh with 46 points, only three behind Liverpool. And, even Everton have an outside chance as they are also only three points behind their city rivals.

It’s perhaps even more concerning that Manchester United have a six point lead over the Reds. “If the ownership sees that gap to Villa or United stretch, I worry for the manager’s position,” Gerrard said. “I don’t want to see it happen, he’s a good man, a very good coach.”

But the warning was clear. “If this was to get worse, I’d be worried for the manager, I must say.”