Liverpool’s heartbreaking defeat against Crystal Palace has taken another shocking twist after manager Arne Slot publicly blamed Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez for Eddie Nketiah’s late strike that sealed all three points for the home side.
Slot, clearly frustrated in his post-match press conference, refused to let the mistake slide. Instead, he delivered a sharp verdict that has left fans and pundits stunned:
“Not us, he. That goal wasn’t about the team, it was about one man losing focus. We were in control, but at this level, you cannot switch off for a second.”
What Happened in the Final Minute
Liverpool had battled hard to stay in the game after Chiesa’s equalizer, but in stoppage time disaster struck. Palace launched one final attack, and in the scramble, defensive organization collapsed. Slot’s words hinted that Van Dijk and Kerkez were directly involved in leaving Nketiah unmarked, giving the striker the space he needed to fire home.
For a manager still settling into life at Anfield, Slot’s decision to point fingers so directly is risky — especially when the players in question include club captain Van Dijk, a long-standing leader in Liverpool’s defense.
Divided Reactions from Fans and Media
The football world has been quick to react.
•Some fans are praising Slot’s honesty: “Finally a manager who holds players accountable. That was 100% Van Dijk’s fault.”
•Others, however, feel Slot went too far: “You don’t throw your captain under the bus in public. That should stay in the dressing room.”
•Pundits have also joined the debate, with several suggesting Slot may be sending a clear message that reputations will not protect underperformers in his Liverpool side.
The Bigger Picture for Liverpool
The defeat is damaging not just in terms of points dropped, but also morale. With title rivals pulling ahead, Liverpool cannot afford defensive lapses — especially from experienced players who are supposed to set the standard.
Questions are now being raised about whether Slot can keep the dressing room united while publicly criticizing senior figures. Will Van Dijk and Kerkez respond positively, or could this spark internal tension at a crucial stage of the season?
Conclusion
Arne Slot’s blunt statement has turned Liverpool’s late collapse into one of the most controversial talking points of the season. By singling out Van Dijk and Kerkez for blame, he has made it clear that no player is untouchable and mistakes will not be excused.
For fans, the only question remains: Is it really their fault..?
