In a post-match interview, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk defended his leadership abilities against former England striker Wayne Rooney's criticism. Rooney had previously questioned van Dijk's leadership after the team's recent losing streak in the Premier League. Van Dijk responded by insisting that the criticism was "lazy" and that he would take full responsibility for the team's performance.

Van Dijk and Rooney's exchange during the interview was reportedly awkward and tense. Van Dijk stated that the outside noise had been "over the top" and that it was important for ex-players to put things into perspective. Rooney, on the other hand, responded by saying that he had "spurred them on" and that van Dijk had led the team in the right direction.

Liverpool's victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League was a morale-boosting win for the team. The victory marked back-to-back victories and clean sheets for Liverpool, following their recent Premier League defeat of Aston Villa. The team's performance in the Champions League has provided a much-needed boost to their confidence.

Van Dijk's comments during the interview highlighted the importance of leadership in football. As the team's captain, he emphasized that he would take responsibility for the team's performance and that he would continue to work hard to lead the team to success.

Overall, the post-match interview demonstrated the importance of leadership in football and the impact that criticism can have on a team's performance. Van Dijk's response to Rooney's criticism showcased his determination and commitment to leading Liverpool to success.