Liverpool Humbled by van Dijk Saga

EPL team, Liverpool, have been mercilessly criticised by scores of prominent football professionals over their embarrassing pursuit of Southampton defender, Virgil van Dijk.

The saga started over reports that Jurgen Klopp had held private talks with 25-year-old centre-half before lodging a formal bid.

The Liverpool manager has since admitted that the attempted poaching was in poor taste and the club released this official apology:

“We apologise to the owner, board of directors and fans of Southampton for any misunderstanding regarding Virgil van Dijk. We respect Southampton’s position and can confirm we have ended any interest in the player.”

While The Reds have labelled the incident as a misunderstanding, Southampton icon, Matt Le Tissier, slammed Klopp, saying, “somebody forgot that the way to go about a transfer is to actually make a bid first”.

While The Saints have gracefully accepted the apology and consider the matter closed, not everyone seems satisfied. Many people are of the opinion that The Reds’ own fans should receive an apology for what can only be a frustrating disappointment.

Fans were ecstatic at the thought that Liverpool’s defence may get the reinforcement it so desperately needed, and in the form of a top-class player like van Dijk. The reality was not only dismay, but embarrassment.

In a final blow to the shamed team, Le Tissier concluded his interview with talkSPORT saying, “I remember the days when Liverpool used to be quite classy in transfer negotiations.”

It seems that Klopp, and Liverpool, have a tall hill to climb to regain respect from fellow football professionals and fans alike.