Liverpool’s recent draw against Luton Town has sparked contrasting views between the team’s manager, Jürgen Klopp, and star player and captain, Virgil van Dijk. The Reds’ pursuit of the title was slightly derailed by a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road on Sunday, in a result that left Klopp visibly upset. The manager directed some of his frustration towards the match officials, while Van Dijk took a different stance.
The match saw a few contentious moments that have since stirred debate. Klopp was particularly irked by what he perceived as ‘wrestling’ tactics used against Van Dijk in the opposition penalty area and a controversial non-penalty decision when the ball hit Ross Barkley’s elbow before Luton launched a counter-attack that resulted in the opening goal. However, Van Dijk, the Dutch defender, disagreed with his manager’s assessment. He argued that Liverpool should not be pointing fingers at the officials for their inability to secure a win. According to him, it was Liverpool’s own shortcomings that cost it the game.
Van Dijk did express his views on the controversial incidents: “I can’t speak about the decisions but I headed the ball and it came against his elbow apparently… they decide it’s not a penalty. It’s quite an advantage for them, they start a counter-attack and they score from it.” However, he added, “It shouldn’t come to a decision if it’s a penalty or not to get a good result. We had the opportunities ourselves to get a good result and we didn’t do it.”
The match also saw Luis Díaz, Liverpool’s Colombian international, score an equalizer during stoppage time. This was Díaz’s first involvement since the traumatic kidnap of his parents on October 28. While his mother was swiftly released, his father remains missing. After scoring, Díaz revealed a T-shirt with the message ‘Freedom for Papa’, calling for his father’s safe return. Van Dijk expressed his support for Díaz, stating that despite the difficult circumstances, the forward is keen not to let his personal situation affect the team’s performance. “He doesn’t want us to suffer from what he is going through. He wants to take fuel from it and that’s what we all know,” said the captain.
