• Everton accused of ‘unacceptable’ approach to derbies
  • Club devastated over Van Dijk injury, says Wijnaldum

Liverpool’s fury at losing Virgil van Dijk was laid bare on Tuesday when Georginio Wijnaldum accused the goalkeeper Jordan Pickford of being “completely stupid” and Everton of a “completely unacceptable” approach to Merseyside derbies. A clearly seething Jürgen Klopp said he shared his players’ opinion.
The Liverpool manager and midfielder are in Amsterdam for the Champions League opener against Ajax on Wednesday but it was their Merseyside rivals who were the main focus – and target – of a combative press conference. Wijnaldum said Liverpool players endured a sleepless night on Saturday after Van Dijk damaged an anterior cruciate ligament and remain devastated four days on. The Netherlands international, a close friend of his compatriot, did not try to disguise the impact of the defender’s absence on Liverpool nor the feelings within the squad over what happened during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.
Related: Jordan Pickford avoids disciplinary action for Virgil van Dijk challenge
Related: Liverpool's loss of Van Dijk exacerbates every doubt after chaotic start | Jonathan Wilson
Continue reading...

More...