Van Dijk holds back on City verdict after 3‑0 Anfield defeat

Virgil van Dijk has declined to give a full opinion on Manchester City’s Premier League financial case until it is “properly settled”. His response came after City beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in their first match since being found guilty of breaching the league’s financial regulations.

The Liverpool captain drew a clear line between the teams’ sporting rivalry and the case off the pitch. “I have really enjoyed the rivalry,” Van Dijk said. “But that is on the pitch, what has happened off the pitch is a totally different story.”

He said commenting while the matter remains ongoing would “not” be a good idea. Van Dijk added that he would “definitely share” his comments once it is properly settled, but gave no date for when that might be.

That distinction matters after a result that gave City both a three-goal win over a direct rival and the league lead. They have 18 points from six games; Liverpool are ninth on nine. The scoreline puts the immediate footballing contrast in sharp focus, while Van Dijk’s remarks leave his view of the off-field case for a later point.

The captain’s answer was not an endorsement or a criticism of the verdict. He said the case was still ongoing and chose not to comment on its substance. For now, the only position he has stated is that he will speak once it is properly settled.

Liverpool’s next match is away to Brentford on Saturday, 17 October, while City host Ipswich Town on the same day. The table gives the two clubs very different immediate contexts: City start the next round top after six wins, while Liverpool head into their next fixture from ninth. Van Dijk’s promised comments, whenever the case reaches the point he considers settled, will come separately from that race for points.