Van Dijk Maintains Rivalry View Following 3-0 Loss to Manchester City

Virgil van Dijk says he does not view the Man City rivalry differently despite the visitors' guilty verdict for breaching financial rules.

Manchester City defeated Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield on October 12, 2026, to maintain their position as league leaders. Following the result, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk stated that he does not view the Man City rivalry differently despite an independent commission finding the Manchester club guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules. Van Dijk noted that while the off-pitch process remains ongoing, his perspective on the competition between the two sides—which included two instances of City winning the title by a single point under Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola—remains focused on the pitch.

During the match, Liverpool supporters frequently chanted "cheats" at the visiting side. Van Dijk acknowledged the hostile atmosphere, stating that fans are entitled to share their feelings, though he believes it is not a smart time for players to comment on the verdict. The defender confirmed he will share his personal opinion on the matter once the legal process has concluded.

Liverpool entered the contest with several injuries and trailed throughout the second half after what Van Dijk described as a first half showing high intensity. Despite the 3-0 scoreline, the captain rejected the idea that the financial breach verdict was used as extra motivation, noting that the expectation to win at home against the league leaders was already established.